Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Monday said that while the Supreme Court has plans to deploy artificial intelligence to categorise cases for fixation, the judiciary is not yet ready to fully embrace the technology. Speaking at a judicial conference at the Supreme Court to mark the new judicial year, he explained that the digitisation of 61,000 files will be completed within six months, forming the foundation for AI-driven categorisation in the future. Justice Afridi acknowledged the importance of technology in enhancing the justice delivery system but emphasised the need to prepare the judiciary before relying on AI tools.
The chief justice said that once the files are digitally scanned, AI could be effectively applied to streamline categorisation and case allocation, ensuring that similar issues are heard by the same bench. He noted that technology adoption requires readiness, highlighting that the judiciary still needs to build capacity and strengthen its digital framework. Among the senior Supreme Court judges present at the event were Justices Mansoor Ali Shah, Munib Akhtar, Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Ayesha A. Malik, Athar Minallah, Shahid Waheed, Musarrat Hilali, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, and Malik Shahzad Ahmad, alongside judges from high courts across the country.
During his speech, Justice Afridi also outlined several reforms and policies introduced under his leadership since October 2024. He explained that the court has moved towards a first-come, first-served approach to case hearings, ending the practice of selectively fast-tracking cases out of order. He also addressed questions on the chief justice’s authority to approve or refuse judicial leaves, clarifying that leaves during holidays were unrestricted but court-time absences required approval. Referring to enforced disappearances, he said the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee had placed the issue as a top priority and was working with Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, who assured that the government was considering a mechanism for producing detained persons. Justice Afridi added that high courts had also developed SOPs to safeguard district judiciary officers from external pressure.
The CJP said that reforms under his tenure were guided by five core principles: improving service delivery through technology, increasing transparency and access, strengthening the legal framework, engaging international resources, and revitalising attached departments. He detailed that consultations with both groups in the lawyers’ community were held, and proposals were reviewed by a high-powered committee led by Justice Shahid Waheed before being presented to a full court in April. New initiatives such as a Public Facilitation Centre, due to open on October 1, and the establishment of a Media Station at the Supreme Court were also highlighted as steps towards transparency and public engagement. Justice Afridi further noted that security protocols for judges had been scaled back, particularly within Islamabad’s Red Zone, and provided updates on the Supreme Judicial Council’s handling of complaints against judges.
The event was also addressed by AGP Awan, Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Tahir Nasrullah Warraich, and Supreme Court Bar Association President Mian Rauf Atta. Justice Afridi’s remarks came ahead of a full court meeting later in the day to review and approve the Supreme Court Rules 2025, amid ongoing debates over judicial independence, rule-making, and case management.
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