Pakistan Judiciary Strengthens Measures Against External Influence

ISLAMABAD — In a decisive move to fortify the independence of the judiciary, the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) convened on July 11, 2025, at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, where it outlined an array of measures aimed at countering external influences on judicial processes. The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, involved the participation of chief justices from all provincial high courts and the Islamabad High Court, alongside an additional attorney general for Pakistan (AAGP) invited to provide insights on the matter.

The NJPMC established a framework for high courts to create structured mechanisms for reporting and addressing instances of external interference within a specified timeframe. "The judiciary must remain steadfast in its constitutional duty to safeguard fundamental rights," affirmed CJP Afridi in the official statement released post-meeting. This commitment comes in light of rising concerns over enforced disappearances within the country, prompting the NJPMC to form a dedicated committee to address these issues through a coordinated institutional response.

This session marked the 53rd gathering of the NJPMC, a statutory body responsible for formulating judicial policies in Pakistan. The committee deliberated on critical policy issues and endorsed several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing judicial performance, integrating technology in judicial processes, and promoting citizen-centric justice delivery. One noteworthy resolution was the establishment of a Commercial Litigation Corridor, which will feature specialized courts and designated benches to expedite commercial dispute resolutions.

In an effort to streamline judicial processes, the NJPMC approved the piloting of a Double-Docket Court Regime in select districts, enabling flexible participation based on local needs. Furthermore, the committee advocated for the establishment of Model Criminal Trial Courts, intended to expedite the resolution of long-pending criminal cases through time-bound trials and optimized resource allocation.

The NJPMC also took significant steps toward improving Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The committee sanctioned the launch of a court-annexed mediation regime as a pilot project, which will incorporate the establishment of district mediation facilities and family court mediation centers, alongside standardized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operational efficiency.

To ensure consistency and excellence across the district judiciary, a committee led by retired Supreme Court Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafferi was constituted to recommend key performance indicators aligned with international benchmarks, standardized recruitment and training processes, and frameworks for the District Judiciary Policy Forum.

In addition, the NJPMC explored the ethical implications of employing generative artificial intelligence (AI) within judicial functions, tasking the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) with formulating a comprehensive charter on the ethical use of AI.

The committee's commitment to modernizing judicial practices includes enhancing the training of police officers, specifically district police officers, at the request of respective inspector generals of police. The NJPMC has also mandated that all constitutional petitions concerning tax and financial matters be referred to high court division benches for resolution.

Further, the NJPMC expressed appreciation for initiatives undertaken by the Lahore High Court, including the establishment of female bar rooms and daycare centers for judges' families, urging other high courts to pursue similar initiatives through provincial governments.

The deliberations culminated in a reaffirmation of the NJPMC's dedication to fostering a progressive, transparent, and responsive judicial system that adheres to constitutional values and upholds the rule of law. As Pakistan continues to face challenges surrounding judicial independence and accountability, these measures represent a critical step toward enhancing the integrity and functionality of the judiciary in the country.