Chief Justice Yahya Afridi Advocates AI Integration in Pakistan's Judiciary

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, on July 25, 2025, articulated a vision for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the country's judicial system, emphasizing the necessity for an ethical framework to guide its implementation. Speaking at a symposium held at the Federal Judicial Academy to commemorate the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing, Justice Afridi asserted that AI could substantially enhance court efficiency while ensuring the principles of fairness and transparency remain intact.

Globally, various jurisdictions are leveraging AI technologies to modernize their judicial processes. For instance, courts in China have deployed AI for evidence analysis and drafting verdicts, while the U.S. judiciary utilizes AI for legal research and risk assessments, as noted by the National Judicial Automation Committee.

Justice Afridi stated, "We hope that this initiative, along with the willingness of our judiciary to use AI, will enable us to integrate AI into our processes safely and allow us to make our justice delivery system more efficient, transparent, and, above all, citizen-centric." He highlighted the establishment of the National Judicial Automation Committee, chaired by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, which is tasked with formulating ethical guidelines for AI's application in the legal framework of Pakistan.

The Chief Justice's remarks come amid increasing global discussions on the ethical dilemmas associated with AI in judicial settings. Experts have raised concerns about the potential risks posed by opaque algorithms and AI-generated recommendations, which could threaten judicial impartiality and public trust, as noted in a report by Dr. Emily Roberts, Professor of Law at Stanford University, published in the Journal of Legal Technology in March 2025.

"While AI holds immense potential to enhance judicial efficiency, its integration must not be blind or uncritical," Justice Afridi remarked, urging for careful consideration of the complex ethical issues surrounding AI. His address also encompassed a broader judicial reform agenda aimed at bolstering institutional support, promoting fairness, and enhancing the wellbeing of judges, particularly at the district level.

Recognizing the importance of supporting the judiciary, Afridi stated, "A judge who is institutionally supported is better equipped to be fair, focused, and effectively responsive." He expressed pride in the district judiciary and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing reforms that uphold their dignity and empower them with the necessary resources to deliver justice effectively.

The implications of AI integration in the judiciary extend beyond mere efficiency; they encompass significant social and legal ramifications. As nations around the world grapple with the ethical deployment of AI in public sectors, Pakistan’s judicial system stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of adopting innovative technologies while safeguarding the core principles of justice.

In light of the potential benefits and pitfalls, the future of AI in Pakistan’s judiciary hinges on the establishment of robust ethical guidelines and a commitment to preserving public trust in legal processes. The National Judicial Automation Committee's forthcoming recommendations will be pivotal in shaping the integration of AI technologies within Pakistan's courts, ensuring that innovation enhances rather than undermines the rule of law.