The 55th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) was convened today at the Supreme Court of Pakistan under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble the Chief Justice of Pakistan. The meeting was attended by the Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court, the Chief Justices of all the High Courts, while Attorney General for Pakistan attended on special invitation. The Committee deliberated on key policy issues, while reviewing implementation status of the decisions taken in its 54th meeting. It unanimously reiterated its resolve to strengthen institutional capacity, accelerate access to justice, and ensure efficient and effective justice delivery. It emphasized the importance of sustaining institutional coherence among all tiers of the judiciary to improve accessibility, efficiency, and integrity in the dispensation of justice.
1. Institutional Response on Enforced Disappearances
Opening the proceedings, the Chair invited the Attorney General for Pakistan to brief the Committee on the progress made in developing a coordinated institutional response to cases of enforced disappearances. The Attorney General informed the forum that the issue of enforced disappearances has almost been resolved through the recent amendment in section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, requiring production of a detained person before a Magistrate within twenty-four hours.
He assured that a comprehensive mechanism to redress complaints of non-compliance with this legal requirement is being considered by the Government, which will be placed before the Committee in its next meeting. The Committee appreciated the assurance by the Attorney General for Pakistan.
2. Safeguarding Judicial Independence
The Chair acknowledged the efforts of all High Courts for notifying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) providing mechanism for institutional response to extraneous influence on Judges at the district level.
The Chair further observed that similar safeguards are necessary to protect the independence and integrity of the Judges of the superior judiciary. In this regard, the Committee was appraised by the Chair that he has proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct for Judges seeking to establish an institutional mechanism for responding to extraneous influence. The proposed amendments also include additions that were approved by the Supreme Judicial Council in 1967 and 2003 and circulated for compliance at the relevant time, but were not incorporated in the notified Code of Conduct; substitution of an article relating to exposure of judges to media, was also deliberated upon in detail.
After detailed deliberation, the Chief Justices of the High Courts, unanimously agreed and endorsed the proposed amendments, with necessary modifications and suggestions, urged that the Chair, in his capacity as its Chairman, may place the same before the Supreme Judicial Council for consideration and approval.
3. Commercial Litigation Corridor (CLC)
The Committee reviewed the recommendations of the Sub-Committee constituted to address protracted litigation and injunctive orders in commercial, revenue, and fiscal cases. The Sub-Committee’s report highlighted key reforms, including establishment of dedicated benches, curtailment of frivolous litigation, constitution of a screening committee at the FBR level, avoidance of coercive revenue targets for state-owned enterprises, and improvements in tribunal structures.
The NJPMC appreciated the detailed work undertaken by the Sub-Committee and directed to share the same with the High Courts for their input. The Committee also appreciated efforts of the Lahore High Court with significant disposal of 922 cases by its Special Tax Benches within a period of three weeks.
4. Timelines for Disposal and Double-Docket Court Regime
The Committee noted that the High Courts have notified specific timelines for disposal of different categories of cases and have circulated these directions for strict compliance. The Chair appreciated the High Courts for introducing these timelines as a measure to enhance judicial predictability. In particular, the Committee lauded efforts of the Peshawar High Court for the launch of first ever double docket court at Abbottabad. The Chief Justice, Peshawar High Court apprised the Forum that requests are being received for extension of the facility to other districts.
It was also resolved that the High Courts will share data regarding average time taken for issuance of succession certificate, disposal of inheritance cases of females, oldest succession cases and cases of execution of decrees of recovery of maintenance, to be discussed in the next meeting.
5. Establishment and Disposal by Model Courts
The Committee was apprised that Model Civil Trial Courts (MCTCs) have been established across the provinces to prioritize disposal of oldest pending civil cases under a time-bound regime. The Chair appreciated the High Courts for piloting Model Courts for expeditious disposal of cases. In particular, the Committee appreciated Model Courts established by Lahore High Court for having disposed of 12278 cases within 45 days. Similarly, High Court of Balochistan was lauded for disposal of 586 cases by its model courts.
The Chair lauded High Court of Sindh for provision of public facilities for differently abled person in 18 districts of the province.
6. District Judiciary Reforms
The Committee discussed the comprehensive recommendations submitted by the Sub-Committee on harmonizing policy innovations across various High Courts. The recommendations include:
• Formulation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for judicial officers aligned with the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index;
• Uniform eligibility criteria and standardized recruitment rules for judicial appointments;
• Unified syllabus and evaluation framework for examinations;
• Joint and specialized training programmes for judges; and
• Uniform service terms and conditions for members of the district judiciary.
The Chair further proposed establishment of independent Judicial Recruitment Directorates at each High Court to ensure transparent recruitment under uniform rules and timelines. He also suggested a comprehensive training model comprising a six-month joint Judicial Training Programme at the Federal Judicial Academy focusing on technology integration, language proficiency, creative writing, and stress management, followed by a four-month Specialized Training Programme at respective Provincial Judicial Academies to build applied judicial skills in judgement writing, mediation, and case management.
The Chair additionally emphasized the need for data-driven, automated performance evaluation systems where both qualitative and quantitative indicators are integrated, and the concept of “judgement to follow the judge” forms part of the evaluation dossier. Diploma courses for judges of special courts and regular counselling sessions for stress management were also proposed.
The Committee appreciated these forward-looking recommendations and decided to constitute a committee comprising all Chief Justices of the High Courts to review the proposals and submit consolidated recommendations to be discussed in the next meeting.
7. National Prison Reform Action Plan
The Committee reviewed the progress made on the National Prison Reform Action Plan and noted that the Lahore, Sindh, and Peshawar High Courts have endorsed the proposals, while the Islamabad High Court emphasized the need to expedite completion of the Islamabad Model Jail project.
The NJPMC directed the LJCP Secretariat to place the reports of the Jail Reform Sub-Committees and the consolidated Action Plan before the Chairpersons of the Provincial Justice Committees. The Chief Justices, in their capacity as its Chairpersons, shall engage with the respective Chief Secretaries for input on legislative, policy, and administrative measures. The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court to engage with Secretary, Interior Division, for similar action. Recommendations so made to be discussed in the next meeting.
8. Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Judiciary
The Secretary LJCP informed the Committee that the Sub-Committee of the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) has finalized a Draft Ethical Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI in the Judiciary, following extensive consultations with national experts and all High Courts.
The guidelines propose a high-level ethical and operational framework for the responsible integration of AI technologies within the judicial system, ensuring alignment with national digital policies and international best practices.
The NJPMC appreciated this milestone initiative and asked the NJAC to finalize its deliberations to be placed for approval in the next meeting.
9. Communication Strategy for Justice Sector Reforms
The Committee also discussed the need for a structured and professional Communication Strategy to enhance public understanding, transparency, and inclusivity in the ongoing justice sector reforms. The NJPMC constituted a committee comprising Chief Justice, Lahore High Court, Chief Justice, High Court of Sindh and the Secretary, LJCP to develop the strategy. The strategy will provide a roadmap for institutional communication and public engagement, which shall be presented in the next meeting.
10. Digital Transformation Roadmap
The Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication gave detailed presentation on digital transformation roadmap, with two distinct components of connectivity and digitization for district courts across Pakistan.
The Committee decided that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication shall assess the compatibility of connectivity infrastructure already in place as well as under execution out of Access to Justice Development Fund, before planning on digitization of court processes and subsequent use of Artificial Intelligence.
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the sustained efforts of all High Courts, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Law and Justice Commission Secretariat for their valuable contributions toward strengthening the administration of justice, promoting institutional coherence, and enhancing public confidence in the judicial system.
Dr. Shahid Hussain Kamboyo
Public Relations Officer
