The new Chief Justice, Yahya Afridi, has made swift strides in reforming the Supreme Court, setting an example of proactive leadership. Shortly after taking office, Chief Justice Afridi reconstituted the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Committee to include the two senior-most judges following him. This restructuring was followed by a full court meeting on Monday, attended by all Supreme Court judges, including Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who joined via video link. Reports suggest the meeting, conducted in a collegial and forward-looking spirit, was highly productive, centering on ways to address the Court’s primary duty: ensuring timely justice.
The discussions prioritized reducing the case backlog, a pressing issue that has impacted public trust in the judiciary. While there was speculation that the first meeting following Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s tumultuous tenure might see tensions surface, the Court instead displayed a united front with a shared commitment to improving efficiency. Justice Shah, who was passed over for the role of chief justice, put aside any personal disappointment, presenting his comprehensive strategy to expedite case resolution, symbolically passing on his vision to the new leadership. This backlog reduction plan had been eagerly anticipated within legal circles, and its adoption marks a significant step toward institutional renewal.
The Court’s adoption of the Case Management Plan 2023 signals a shift in priorities. Under Chief Justice Afridi’s leadership, the Supreme Court appears to be focusing on internal improvements and strengthening the judiciary rather than engaging in external controversies. This new orientation aims to restore respect for senior judges and rebuild the Court’s performance and reputation.
In recent years, the judiciary’s role has been diminished by internal divisions and external pressures, eroding its autonomy and leaving it susceptible to influence from other state institutions. With a renewed sense of unity, the Supreme Court can regain its footing and reassert its role in upholding the constitutional order. The Monday meeting’s atmosphere of harmony and purpose is a promising sign that the institution is ready to heal and reset.
The recent cohesion among the judges is a breath of fresh air after a period marked by divisions and personal rivalries. There is optimism that this collaborative spirit will endure, allowing the Court to focus on recalibrating the balance of power among the state’s branches and restoring the judiciary’s integrity and efficacy. The coming days will test the Court’s resolve, but the groundwork laid by Chief Justice Afridi and the collective commitment of his peers offer hope for a strengthened, unified judiciary capable of meeting its constitutional obligations.
Shafaqna Pakistan
pakistan.shafaqna.com
Note: Shafqna do not endorse the views expressed in the article