ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has said the judiciary stands united to protect judges from external pressure and ensure judicial independence.

Addressing a national conference on judicial reforms and speedy justice in Islamabad on Saturday, CJP Afridi said procedures were already in place to protect judicial officers from outside pressure.

“District courts are the backbone of the justice system,” he said. He also called for stronger coordination between district courts and high courts.

CJP Afridi Stresses Judicial Independence

CJP Afridi said amendments to the Code of Conduct aimed to protect judges from external pressure.

He stressed that the entire judiciary stood with judges to safeguard their independence.

Meanwhile, the chief justice praised the subordinate judiciary for continuing its work despite difficult conditions.

He said empowering judges in subordinate courts remained a key judicial objective. In turn, this could help strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

“Public trust is not inherited; it is earned through integrity,” CJP Afridi said.

Focus on Speedy Justice and Rule of Law

The chief justice stressed the importance of timely justice. He said the judiciary would receive the resources required to develop a comprehensive justice system across Pakistan.

At the same time, he urged judicial officers to perform their duties honestly and responsibly.

“The rule of law is the need of the hour,” he said.

CJP Afridi also stressed that judicial reforms must reflect ground realities. He said better coordination was needed between the district judiciary and policymaking institutions.

As a result, a committee has been established to promote greater uniformity in facilities and terms of service for judicial officers.

Health Insurance for Judicial Officers

CJP Afridi said the government had decided to provide health insurance to judicial officers across Pakistan.

Under the initiative, employees of the judiciary across the country will receive medical insurance.

In addition, the judiciary is working to improve basic facilities at subordinate courts.

These efforts include solar power, water supply, internet services and facilities for women. Provincial governments are also supporting the programme.

Solar Power and Digital Facilities Expand

The chief justice said courts were gradually shifting towards solar power.

He also announced plans for improved internet connectivity and e-libraries across the judiciary.

In particular, work is continuing to provide basic facilities in all tehsils and districts of Balochistan.

According to CJP Afridi, solar power, water and internet facilities have already reached 18 districts in the province. The remaining districts are expected to receive these facilities within a month.

Solar power facilities are also available in Nangarparkar tehsil of Tharparkar.

Furthermore, work is underway to establish facilitation centres for women and children.

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More Than Rs3bn Released for Judicial Improvements

CJP Afridi said more than Rs3 billion had been released this year under the Access to Justice Programme.

He compared the allocation with the past two decades, when only around Rs900 million had reportedly been released under the programme.

Therefore, he described the latest funding as an important step towards improving judicial infrastructure and public access to justice.

The funds are expected to support improvements in court facilities and other requirements of the justice system.

Tribute to Judges Who Lost Their Lives

During the conference, CJP Afridi also paid tribute to judges who lost their lives while performing their duties.

He also urged young judges to focus on delivering justice effectively and responsibly.

At one point, the chief justice stopped the audience from applauding.

“Under this roof, we are all judges here. We should conduct ourselves like judges,” he said.

Finally, CJP Afridi called on all state institutions to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.

He said the judiciary would continue working to address its institutional needs. He also reaffirmed the importance of timely justice, judicial independence and the rule of law.