ISLAMABAD: Yahya Afridi, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), acknowledged that the numerous reports of enforced disappearances “jolted” him, but he stated that he also wants to “hear the other side.”
During his trips to various regions of the nation, the CJP heard concerns regarding missing persons, he told court reporters Monday.
Speaking to a delegation of the Supreme Court’s Press Association (PAS), the CJP stated, “During my visits to Ghotki [Sindh], Gwadar [Balochistan], and Sadiqabad [Punjab], members of Bars highlighted the serious issue of missing persons.”
The CJP claimed that the frequency of these allegations “disturbed” and “jolted” him.
declares that high courts have jurisdiction over matters involving enforced disappearances and outlines a financial assistance program for litigants who are less fortunate.
He did, however, inform the bar members that he would not immediately address their concerns or provide a ruling until he had “heard the other side” as well.
According to Article 199 of the Constitution, the CJP further stated that the Supreme Court would not impede the subordinate judiciary’s authority and that the matter of missing persons fell within the purview of the high courts.
Grievances directed toward judges
Justice Afridi acknowledged that the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) was currently considering several complaints against several judges.
The CJP stated that he would reply to the recommendation after sharing it with the council. The suggestion was that people should be aware of which judge the council had decided to dismiss the complaint against in order to assist him regain his respect.
In response to a question concerning the alleged animosity among SC judges, he stated that the court had heard “tough cases” in the previous three or four years in which judges “took positions.”
He was hopeful, nonetheless, that things would get better. We judges are brothers, after all. It’s a fraternity.
Give us half a year. Give judges some breathing room. It will put a stop to squabbling,” CJP noted.
Program for financial assistance
The CJP discussed strengthening district judges, particularly those in the most remote places, by recognizing and recognizing them as part of his mission to enhance the justice system.
“It is my duty as the chief justice of the Supreme Court to give the civil judges opportunities.”
“No superior [court] judge will go to international seminars or conferences in the future without bringing district judiciary judges with them,” the CJP stated.
He promised to send the greatest judges from the most remote locations overseas.
Additionally, the CJP aimed to give district court plaintiffs who are unable to pay for their cases financial assistance.
He said that a project to give litigants free, good representation in district courts would soon be finalized by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP).
In response to a question about whether the endeavor would conflict with the Law Ministry’s initiative to support various Bar Associations, CJP Afridi stated that while the law division might offer financial support, the current program was independent of it and aimed at the district judiciary.
He stated that cases that merit free representation will be recommended to LJCP by district and high courts.
“To make sure the justice system performs, we will take tiny, gradual steps.”
According to the CJP, the Federal Board of Revenue and chartered accountant Massey Ferguson were enlisted by the Supreme Court to assist in classifying tax issues and facilitating their prompt resolution.
The court also established specialized benches to handle criminal cases, election-related issues, and other situations in an effort to create a system for handling urgent applications.
According to CJP Afridi, each Supreme Court judge is autonomous and decides cases in their own unique manner.
The judges “should not be bracketed”; instead, they should receive constructive criticism.
The top justice asserted that the court cannot be [turned] abruptly, drawing a comparison to the Titanic. He noted that altering the supreme court’s course can enhance the administration of justice.
