Lawyers reject judicial biometric system

The government's biometric system made mandatory for filing new cases, bail applications, witness statements, miscellaneous petitions, and replies in subordinate courts has been declared a complete failure by lawyers.

The District Bar Association Rawalpindi and all six district and 27 tehsil bar associations of Rawalpindi Division have passed resolutions demanding immediate abolition of the biometric system and restoration of the old manual system.

The meeting was attended by High Court Bar President Saeed Yousaf Khan, District Bar President Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan, Secretary Qamarul Haq Khan Niazi, and other office-bearers and members.

Lawyers stated that if biometric verification is essential, then internet services must be available 24 hours with fully functional 5G connectivity.

They said the flawed system takes three to five days to process cases, delaying bail applications, new filings, and urgent matters.

As a result, lawyers and litigants are facing severe mental stress. In family cases, women and girls are forced to endure repeated delays.

Internet connectivity in district and tehsil courts remains inconsistent, often unavailable during court hours or failing suddenly after brief operation.

A unanimous resolution against biometric verification was passed in an emergency meeting of the District Bar Rawalpindi, chaired by President Sajid Mahmood Awan. Advocate Muhammad Fawad Ziad presented the resolution, highlighting legal and administrative difficulties caused by the system.

The resolution criticised the short 48-hour verification window and high fees, stating that mandatory biometric verification at every step undermines access to justice and causes delays.

It also diminishes the role of legal representation and power of attorney. The lawyers demanded extension of verification timelines, limiting biometric use to specific stages, and a comprehensive review of the system. They warned that failure to meet these demands would lead to protests.