The judicial system, the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) has issued a series of landmark decisions to reform judicial processes in Pakistan. Among the most notable was the ruling that all constitutional petitions related to tax and financial matters will now be heard by division benches of High Courts rather than single benches. This shift is expected to bring more consistency and accountability to decisions affecting the country’s fiscal landscape.
The NJPMC convened its 53rd meeting on Friday at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. Chief justices of all provincial High Courts participated, while the Additional Attorney General for Pakistan joined the session by special invitation. The meeting focused on strengthening constitutional justice, improving institutional mechanisms, and embracing technology to provide citizen-centric justice delivery.
The committee’s decision to assign division benches for constitutional tax and financial matters reflects a more rigorous and structured approach to sensitive legal and economic disputes. It is expected that such a system will foster higher levels of scrutiny and reduce the risks of inconsistency in verdicts. This move is particularly significant in light of the rising number of high-stakes tax cases pending in courts across the country.
The NJPMC reiterated its unwavering commitment to establishing a progressive, transparent, and responsive judiciary. Anchored in constitutional principles and guided by the rule of law, the committee emphasized that the courts must serve as guardians of fundamental rights. This includes safeguarding citizens against injustices and ensuring fair access to legal remedies.
One of the most sensitive and pressing issues addressed during the meeting was the matter of enforced disappearances. Taking serious notice, the NJPMC unanimously resolved that the judiciary will not compromise on its constitutional duty to protect the basic rights of the people. To ensure an institutional response, a dedicated committee has been formed. This body will incorporate concerns raised by the Executive, which will be conveyed through the Attorney General of Pakistan.
To ensure the independence of the judiciary, especially at the lower levels, the committee decided to implement structured mechanisms within High Courts. These mechanisms will allow for reporting and redressal of external influence on judicial officers, ensuring their safety and impartiality. The committee emphasized that complaints should be addressed within a clearly defined stipulated timeframe.
In a significant step to modernize the commercial litigation landscape, the NJPMC approved the establishment of a Commercial Litigation Corridor, which will include specialized courts and benches dedicated to business and trade disputes.
In parallel, the committee endorsed the launch of a Double-Docket Court Regime in selected districts. This will function on a pilot basis and will be voluntary. The goal is to speed up hearings and reduce case backlog through efficient judicial scheduling.
To address the burden of long-pending criminal cases, the NJPMC gave the green light to a framework for Model Criminal Trial Courts. These courts will follow time-bound trial procedures and focus on the optimized use of judicial resources, with the ultimate aim of delivering expeditious justice.
Taking a modern approach to dispute resolution, the NJPMC approved the rollout of a court-annexed mediation regime. This pilot project aims to streamline civil and family disputes and will include:
- District-level mediation facilities
- Family court mediation centers
- Standardized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
The committee believes that ADR mechanisms can significantly reduce the burden on courts and provide faster and mutually agreeable resolutions.
For sustained reform at the grassroots judicial level, the NJPMC formed a committee led by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafferi. This committee includes:
- Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court
- Registrars of High Courts
- Director General of the Federal Judicial Academy
Their mandate includes:
- Recommending Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with global standards
- Standardizing recruitment and training
- Eliminating service disparities
- Creating a framework for the District Judiciary Policy Forum
- Exploring overseas exposure opportunities for judges
Recognizing the need to attract talent into the judiciary, the committee approved the creation of a Professional Excellence Index for lawyers. This index will be used to identify and evaluate suitable candidates for judicial induction. High Courts have been directed to submit their respective models within 30 days.
The ethical use of generative AI in judicial proceedings was discussed. The National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) has been tasked with drafting a comprehensive charter to guide the judiciary on AI integration, focusing on transparency, fairness, and accountability.
