Smooth energy supply integral to judicial efficiency: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi emphasized that uninterrupted and sustainable energy supply is integral to judicial efficiency and institutional dignity - particularly in underserved and climate-sensitive regions.

He was chairing a high-level review meeting of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), which assessed the progress of nationwide judicial infrastructure reforms, with a central focus on solarization of courtrooms and bar rooms throughout the country.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, and Resident Additional Secretaries from all Provinces.

The forum conducted a comprehensive review of projects being executed under the Judicial Development Fund (JDF) and Under-Developed Regions (UDR) Windows of the Access to Justice Development Fund (AJDF), and Grant-in-Aid from the Federal and Provincial Governments. Progress benchmarks, implementation gaps, system capacities, funding streams, and technical configurations were examined in detail.

He directed that the remaining infrastructure gaps be clearly mapped; System capacities be rationalized and on-grid and off-grid solutions be aligned with local climatic and operational realities.

The meeting was told that all provincial projects are supervised by the Secretary, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, and are personally monitored by the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Resident Additional Secretaries stationed in each province ensure dedicated oversight, inter-institutional coordination, quality assurance, and strict adherence to timelines.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to environmentally responsible, cost-effective, and citizen-centric infrastructure development.

Solarization, it was emphasized, is not merely an energy intervention but a structural reform ensuring resilient court operations and strengthened access to justice at the grassroots level.

Following a high-level meeting, the provincial government committed to ensuring uninterrupted power supply to courts by 31 August 2026, with solar solutions to be deployed wherever grid reliability cannot be guaranteed.

The Energy Department has completed surveys and has prepared a PC-I for province-wide execution, the meeting was further informed.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Pakistan in a high-level consultative meeting with the leadership of the Pakistan Bar Council, Provincial Bar Councils, and the Supreme Court Bar Association briefed the participants on the 2025–26 reform portfolio, under which funding has been allocated nationwide for four priority areas: solarization of Court complexes, establishment of e-libraries, development of women-centric spaces, and provision of clean drinking water. These facilities have been extended to both Bench and Bar, with implementation targeted by the end of August, 2026.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026