CJP Afridi Calls for Establishing Prisons in Every Balochistan Division

Published at: December 11, 2024 6:44 AM

Updated at: December 26, 2024 11:17 AM

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, as part of his commitment to criminal justice reform, visited the Gwadar sub-jail on Tuesday. During his visit, he reviewed the conditions and facilities provided to under-trial prisoners and emphasized the need for enhanced infrastructure and welfare initiatives for inmates. Accompanied by Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Abdullah Baloch, Gwadar district and sessions judge Rozi Khan Barrech, and the Inspector General of Prisons, the CJP assessed the challenges posed by the jail’s remote location.

Highlighting the logistical and administrative difficulties of the current system, the CJP called for the establishment of a prison in each division of Balochistan. In response, government officials pledged to expedite plans to build a jail in the Makran division. This initiative aims to decentralize the prison system, easing burdens on inmates and their families while improving access to justice in the province.

Following his visit to the jail, CJP Afridi toured the Makran Judicial Complex, where he met judicial officers and representatives of the Makran Bar Association. Addressing the bar, he stressed the collaborative role of the bench and bar in upholding the judiciary’s constitutional responsibilities. He reiterated the importance of prioritizing justice for marginalized groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, emphasizing that equitable justice delivery was a cornerstone of the judicial system.

Responding to concerns raised by the bar regarding extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, the CJP assured them that these matters would be examined thoroughly. He emphasized the necessity for institutions to align with the constitutional will of the people, asserting that such adherence was critical for national progress.

The CJP also highlighted the fundamental role of judicial magistrates, who serve as the primary forum for legal redress, urging them to deliver justice impartially and in accordance with the law. He underscored the importance of adopting innovative practices like automation, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhanced case management to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system. Such reforms, he noted, require sustained planning, patience, and collaboration between the bench and bar.

Earlier, the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) briefed Makran division lawyers on opportunities available under the Access to Justice Development Fund, fostering greater involvement of legal professionals in justice delivery reforms.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court registrar Salim Khan unveiled transformative initiatives at the Lahore branch registry, introducing an e-affidavit system and an instant certified copies service. These advancements aim to enhance judicial efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. The e-affidavit platform simplifies affidavit submissions, reduces procedural delays, and ensures greater transparency, benefiting litigants and legal professionals alike. Simultaneously, the instant certified copies service allows litigants and lawyers to promptly access case documents, significantly reducing delays caused by traditional methods.

These comprehensive efforts reflect the judiciary’s broader vision to modernize the legal system, improve accessibility, and ensure that justice is not only delivered efficiently but also equitably across all segments of society.