CJP Chairs 55th NJPMC Meeting — Focus on Judicial Reforms, Independence, and Access to Justice
ISLAMABAD (Roshan Sindh) — The 55th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) was held today at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Justices of all High Courts, the Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court, and the Attorney General for Pakistan (as a special invitee).
The Committee deliberated on key policy issues and reviewed the implementation status of decisions from its previous session.
The NJPMC reaffirmed its commitment to institutional strengthening, swift justice delivery, and ensuring the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
Key Highlights:
- Enforced Disappearances: The Attorney General informed that recent amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 now mandate production of detained persons before a Magistrate within 24 hours — a key step toward resolving the issue.
- Judicial Independence: The CJP proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct for Judges to institutionalize protection from external influence — unanimously endorsed by all Chief Justices.
- Commercial Litigation Corridor: The Committee reviewed recommendations to curb frivolous litigation and improve tribunal efficiency, appreciating Lahore High Court for resolving 922 tax cases in just three weeks.
- Timelines and Double Docket System: The NJPMC praised the Peshawar High Court for launching the first double-docket court in Abbottabad to expedite case disposal.
- Model Courts: The Committee lauded Lahore High Court for disposing of 12,278 cases in 45 days, and Balochistan High Court for clearing 586 cases.
- District Judiciary Reforms: Proposals for uniform recruitment rules, training programs, and performance evaluation systems were discussed to standardize judicial excellence.
- Prison Reforms: Progress on the National Prison Reform Action Plan was reviewed; the Islamabad Model Jail project was urged for early completion.
- Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary: Draft ethical guidelines for responsible use of Generative AI in courts were finalized for approval in the next meeting.
- Digital Transformation: The Ministry of IT presented a roadmap to digitize district courts, emphasizing enhanced connectivity and automation.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Justice of Pakistan appreciated the sustained efforts of all High Courts, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the LJCP Secretariat, reaffirming the judiciary’s vision for efficiency, transparency, and public trust in the justice system.
