ISLAMABAD, July 14 (Alliance News): Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi has called on bar representatives to actively participate in judicial reform efforts and sensitize their respective bar associations about the ongoing developments in the justice system.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) at the Supreme Court Branch Registry in Quetta, the CJP emphasized the need to streamline government support to bar associations for better resource management.
Justice Afridi, also the Chairman of LJCP, directed provincial law departments to coordinate with the Resident Additional Secretary of the Commission for effective implementation of district-level projects.
He highlighted infrastructure challenges in underdeveloped areas, including inconsistent electricity and lack of digital access, urging focused interventions to bridge these gaps.
The meeting was attended by legal and judicial leadership, including the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, bar council representatives, and federal and provincial officials.
The CJP announced the appointment of senior liaison officers from the LJCP in provincial high courts to ensure better coordination and oversight of justice sector initiatives.
A major announcement made during the session was the launch of a legal aid program to assist poor litigants. Under this initiative, legal representation from magistrate courts to the Supreme Court will be provided at the state’s expense.
Litigants will receive up to Rs50,000 in legal aid through District Legal Empowerment Committees. Bar associations have been invited to nominate qualified lawyers for this purpose.
The CJP also stressed the importance of professional development and Continuing Legal Education (CLE), instructing bar associations to appoint focal persons to liaise with the Federal Judicial Academy and make full use of its training calendar.
Bar representatives welcomed the initiatives, expressed their concerns, and pledged to work with the judiciary and government to improve justice delivery.
President of the Balochistan High Court Bar Association, Mr. Attaullah Khan Langov, thanked the provincial government for its support, highlighting new facilities such as digital libraries, shuttle services, housing schemes, and grants to bar associations across Balochistan.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work together toward accessible, fair, and efficient justice delivery across Pakistan.
