National Judicial Committee approves implementation of key reforms
ISLAMABAD: The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) has unanimously approved the implementation of recommendations put forward by its sub-committee, which are aimed at addressing prolonged litigation and the issuance of injunctive orders in commercial, revenue, and fiscal cases.
The sub-committee’s report outlined several key reforms, including the establishment of dedicated benches, curbing frivolous litigation, the formation of a screening committee at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) level, avoidance of coercive revenue targets for state-owned enterprises, and improvements in tribunal structures.
The Committee welcomed the endorsement of the sub-committee’s report by the High Courts and directed the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) to share the recommendations with the FBR for implementation. It also asked the FBR to put in place a mechanism for taxation and revenue case management at each High Court, similar to the system in place at the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The decisions were taken during the 56th meeting of the NJPMC, held on Saturday at the Supreme Court building. The meeting was chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, attended by the Chief Justices of all High Courts, while the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan attended the meeting on special invitation.
The Committee reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken during its 55th meeting and deliberated on key policy matters. It unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, expediting access to justice, and ensuring efficient and effective justice delivery.
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The forum appreciated the government’s efforts to address institutional responses to cases of enforced disappearances. It was decided that the Attorney General for Pakistan would present a comprehensive mechanism at the next meeting to address complaints related to non-compliance with the legal requirement of producing detained persons before a magistrate within 24 hours.
The Committee also lauded the disposal of 558,474 cases of the 1,253,425 cases falling under specified categories within the notified timeframe during the preceding quarter, terming it a reflection of the High Courts’ strong commitment. Special appreciation was placed on record for the Lahore High Court for deciding a record 465,455 cases, while the Peshawar High Court was commended for initiatives prioritising inheritance cases and implementing a double docket regime.
The NJPMC appreciated feedback from the High Courts regarding the average time taken to dispose of selected categories of cases, including the issuance of succession certificates, inheritance cases of females, and execution of decrees for the recovery of maintenance and dower.
It was unanimously reaffirmed that the timelines previously fixed by the NJPMC would remain in force, including the disposal of declaratory suits (inheritance disputes) within 12 months, family suits (dissolution, dower, maintenance, guardianship) within six months, uncontested succession cases within two months, and execution petitions/ family court decrees within six months.
The Committee directed the High Courts to dispose of the oldest succession cases up to the year 2019 within 30 days, with intimation to the LJCP.
It was further decided that Chief Justices of the High Courts, in their capacity as chairpersons of Provincial Justice Committees, would engage with respective Chief Secretaries to seek input on legislative, policy, and administrative measures for jail reforms. The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court will similarly engage with the Secretary, Interior Division.
During the meeting, the Secretary of the NJPMC presented the draft “National Guidelines for Use of Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Institutions in Pakistan”, prepared by the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) after extensive consultations with experts.
The Committee appreciated the efforts of the NJAC under the leadership of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and unanimously decided that the LJCP would circulate the draft guidelines among the High Courts for feedback within 30 days. The finalized draft will be placed before the NJPMC for approval at its next meeting.
The Committee also acknowledged the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the National Digital Authority for their engagement with the judiciary on the development of the Pakistan Digital Master Plan.
It unanimously approved the immediate initiation and implementation of e-filing in all district courts as the first phase of the national e-courts project. The High Courts were directed to review existing rules, including relevant provisions of Schedule I of the Code of Civil Procedure, or to invoke their rule-making powers, as already exercised by the Sindh High Court, to facilitate electronic filing.
The NJPMC lauded the High Courts for their sustained efforts in preparing and executing various projects under the Access to Justice Development Fund (AJDF).
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025