Equality, dignity, non-discrimination: CJP reiterates judiciary’s commitment to constitutional values

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional values of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination, while emphasizing the importance of a safe, respectful, and inclusive professional environment within institutions.

He stated this in a meeting with the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, Fouzia Viqar, who called on him, at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday.

During the meeting, matters relating to gender-responsive justice, workplace dignity, and institutional mechanisms for protection against harassment were discussed. The Ombudsperson briefed the CJP on the role and mandate of the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson in ensuring safer and more inclusive working environments across public and private sector institutions.

The discussion also focused on strengthening institutional coordination for effective implementation of laws relating to workplace harassment, promoting awareness regarding legal remedies available to victims, and fostering greater institutional responsiveness towards vulnerable and marginalized segments of society.

Fouzia Viqar appreciated the judiciary’s reform-oriented initiatives and its continued engagement on issues relating to gender-sensitive justice and institutional inclusivity.

Barrister Saira Kabir Sheikh, King’s Counsel at Francis Taylor Building Chambers, London,also met with the CJP Yahya Afridi at the Supreme Court to formally convey his appointment as an Honorary Bencher of the Society of the Inner Temple, London, which is one of the four historic Inns of Court in the United Kingdom.

During the meeting, Barrister Saira conveyed her congratulations to the Chief Justice on the honour and noted that this development would help deepen existing links between the Inner Temple and Pakistan’s legal and judicial community.

The meeting was attended by the President and General Secretary, Supreme Court Bar Association, Director General, Federal Judicial Academy, Director General (Reforms) Supreme Court of Pakistan, and Secretary, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.

The discussion also covered areas of mutual interest, including judicial education, professional training of lawyers and judges, continuing legal education programmes, and opportunities for structured institutional cooperation. Both sides noted the importance of such exchanges in strengthening legal capacity and supporting the development of best practices within the justice system.

The CJP appreciated the role of the Inner Temple in maintaining high standards of legal education and in facilitating engagement between legal professionals across jurisdictions. He also highlighted the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s interest in fortifying institutional collaboration with leading legal bodies abroad, particularly in areas related to training, knowledge exchange, and reform-oriented initiatives.

The meeting reflected the continuing engagement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan with leading global legal institutions and its broader vision of strengthening professional linkages that contribute to the development of the justice system in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026