A New Dawn for Pakistan's Judiciary – Chief Justice Yahya Afridi's Bold Steps

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Today, Pakistan's judicial landscape witnessed a seismic shift. With Chief Justice Yahya Afridi stepping into office, the country's highest court is moving in an unexpected yet refreshing direction. On his first day, Chief Justice Afridi enacted four groundbreaking decisions, signaling a promising era for judicial reform.

1. Reformation of the Judges’ Committee

One of Chief Justice Afridi's first steps was to restructure the pivotal Supreme Court Judges’ Committee, which has historically been a battleground of influence. This committee, responsible for overseeing court procedures and practices, has been under the control of select judges with deep-rooted political biases. Previously, the committee was reshuffled to benefit those close to former Chief Justice Qazi, causing disruption and dissent within the judicial ranks. However, Afridi acted decisively: he reinstated Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Muneeb Akhtar to the committee, ensuring representation of merit and neutral judgment. This bold move is seen as a direct step toward cleansing the judiciary of partisan influences, establishing a system of checks and balances essential for public trust.

2. Expanding Live-Streaming Access Across All Courtrooms

Chief Justice Afridi took a significant step to promote transparency by expanding live-streaming capabilities across all Supreme Court benches. Previously, this privilege was limited to Courtroom No. 1, where former Chief Justice Qazi often presided, using the platform to highlight his own cases. However, by enabling live-streaming across all courtrooms, Chief Justice Afridi democratized access to judicial proceedings, allowing citizens to witness the legal process as it unfolds. Moreover, overseas Pakistanis with cases pending in the Supreme Court will now be able to follow their hearings in real time, no matter where they are. This move enhances transparency and bridges the gap for Pakistanis abroad, providing them direct access to justice.

3. Convening a Full Court Meeting

In another first, Chief Justice Afridi announced a full court meeting. A full court meeting is a rare and powerful gathering where all Supreme Court judges assemble to discuss matters affecting the judiciary. For years, there was an urgent call for this from justices like Mansoor Ali Shah and Muneeb Akhtar, but former Chief Justice Qazi blocked it, perhaps to sideline dissenting voices. Scheduled for October 28, this full court meeting aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among judges, addressing concerns about judicial processes, ethics, and the vision for the Supreme Court's future. This collective gathering signifies Afridi’s intent to steer the court toward

an inclusive and unified direction, aiming for transparency, fairness, and institutional integrity.

4. Calling a Supreme Judicial Council Meeting

Lastly, Chief Justice Afridi announced a much-needed meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on November 8. The SJC holds the mandate to investigate misconduct and ethical complaints against judges, ensuring accountability within the judiciary. Several pending cases and complaints have long awaited attention, and Justice Afridi's decision to prioritize this session speaks to his commitment to judicial accountability. The decisions made in this council have the potential to set precedents for ethical conduct and responsibility among judges, reinforcing the Supreme Court’s role as a bastion of justice rather than an arena for personal ambition.

Learning from Global Examples – The Indian Judiciary's Technological Revolution

Chief Justice Afridi’s reforms echo the advancements seen in India, where Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud introduced a ‘War Room’ to enhance monitoring and support within the Indian Supreme Court. This high-tech room, equipped with cutting-edge IT infrastructure, allows real-time tracking of cases, live-streaming of constitutional benches, and swift issue resolution for over 10,000 daily visitors. This technology-focused approach has revolutionized India’s judicial administration, showcasing how technology can be used to improve access and efficiency.

Chief Justice Afridi’s emphasis on live-streaming reflects this international trend, recognizing that access to information is vital for a fair, transparent judiciary. Pakistan’s judiciary is at a crossroads, where similar advancements could foster greater public trust and an informed, engaged citizenry.

The Road Ahead for Chief Justice Afridi

Chief Justice Afridi stands at a defining moment in Pakistan’s legal history. His decisions on day one suggest that he values transparency, merit, and reform over personal or political interests. However, challenges remain. The judiciary has, at times, been criticized for succumbing to political influences. The Chief Justice’s path could lead him to greatness, but only if he stays true to his principles amidst external pressures.

The choices made by Chief Justice Afridi in the coming months will define his legacy. Will he align with past practices or carve a new path, securing a place of honor in Pakistan’s legal history? His decisions so far indicate he is ready to take on the challenge, steering Pakistan’s judiciary toward a future grounded in transparency, accountability, and true justice.

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