A delegation comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Naeem Akhter Afghan represented the Supreme Court of Pakistan at the 7th Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC), held in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan. The Congress brought together senior judicial representatives from across Asia and other participating jurisdictions.
The Congress focused on the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in the administration of justice, with particular emphasis on judicial independence, human rights, the rule of law, digital transformation and procedural safeguards. The programme also featured meetings of the Association’s Secretaries General and Board Members, alongside bilateral and multilateral engagements aimed at strengthening judicial cooperation and institutional exchange.
During the opening ceremony, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, who headed the Pakistani delegation, delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The delegation also participated in the plenary deliberations and highlighted the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives for technology integration, digital transformation and the use of innovative tools to improve access, efficiency and transparency in the justice system.
The Congress adopted the Samarkand Declaration, reaffirming the supremacy of the Constitution, judicial independence, human rights and the rule of law as fundamental pillars. The Declaration recognized the potential of digital technologies to enhance transparency, timeliness, quality and equal access to justice, while emphasizing that artificial intelligence must remain an auxiliary tool and cannot substitute the independent judgment and constitutional responsibility of judges.
The participation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the Congress reflects its continuing commitment to international judicial cooperation, institutional learning and responsible innovation.
