Chief Justice Yahya Afridi Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Reforms, Effective Access to Justice, and Institutional Strength

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi reaffirmed his commitment to judicial reforms, better access to justice, and stronger institutions, stating that a robust, transparent, and citizen-friendly judicial system is a foundation for sustainable development and democratic governance. According to a Supreme Court statement, he made these remarks on Monday while meeting a high-level United Nations delegation, where detailed discussions were held on aligning Pakistan’s justice system with modern requirements. The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mohamed Yahya, met the Chief Justice along with representatives of UNDP, UN Women, UNICEF, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and UNFPA. The meeting covered priorities for judicial reforms, improving institutional performance, promoting good governance, and increasing public trust in the rule of law. The Chief Justice noted that judicial reforms are closely linked with the Sustainable Development Goals because they emphasize equal access to justice and building effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. He stressed that a reliable and strong judiciary not only protects fundamental rights but is also vital for sustainable development and the stability of democratic systems. Highlighting ongoing reform steps, he said the justice delivery system must be adapted to citizens’ needs, and that lasting improvements can be achieved through effective use of technology, training of judicial staff, and policy-level reforms. He appreciated the efforts of UN agencies in Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law, protect human rights, advance gender equality, support child-sensitive justice, and build institutional capacity, adding that UN support complements national reform efforts. The two sides also considered future areas of cooperation, including technical assistance, judicial education and training, evidence- and data-based reforms, policy support, and sharing international best practices. They agreed that structured and long-term partnership can help address current and future challenges facing the justice system. At the conclusion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting judicial reforms, cooperation, and continued dialogue in line with Pakistan’s constitutional values and international development commitments.