Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Monday stated that judicial reforms were being introduced, adding that early resolution of cases should be a priority.

Addressing a judicial conference in Islamabad held to mark the beginning of the new judicial year, the chief justice emphasised that while artificial intelligence should be used in the justice system, the country is not yet fully prepared for it.

Referring to the piling up of cases, he stressed that the swift resolution of cases should be a top priority, and that pending cases have decreased compared to last year.

According to him, transparency and ease in the judicial system will ensure justice for litigants.

The chief justice said he felt the need for reforms soon after assuming his office and even conducted an internal audit, noting that rules cannot be made in a single day.

The judicial conference was also attended by judges of the Supreme and high courts, as well as Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, and office bearers of the Pakistan Bar Council and the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Addressing the conference, the chief justice said that the tradition of holding this event at the start of the judicial year began in the 1970s, and it has been formally observed since 2004.

The chief justice said that he always worked for the rule of law, adding that transparency and ease in the judicial system will ensure justice to the litigants.

The judicial system is being made effective through the use of technology, he said, adding that speedy resolution of cases should be a priority.

The chief justice said the occasion provided an opportunity for all of us to review our performance.

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi said after taking charge, he felt a strong need for reforms, which have now been initiated on five foundational pillars.

Justice Yahya Afridi also shared several new initiatives and said that an anti-corruption helpline has been established within the Supreme Court, a public feedback portal has been launched, and a facilitation centre has been set up to provide comprehensive information to lawyers, without disrupting court operations.

This centre would be inaugurated later today and become fully operational from October 1, he added.

The chief justice further stated that a digital case filing system has been introduced, and e-services have already been launched in courts.

While AI should be used in the justice system, the necessary infrastructure and readiness were lacking, the chief justice remarked.

He said an internal audit has been conducted, adding that rules cannot be made in a day; proposals will be presented before the Rules Committee, and the process will proceed based on the committee’s recommendations.

On this occasion, Attorney-General Mansoor Usman Awan also addressed the conference.

He said that fulfilling the requirements of law is the beauty of the Constitution, and that transparency is only possible through adherence to the Constitution and the law.

He added that the prompt delivery of justice has always been the judiciary’s top priority.