Judges’ code of conduct changed to free them from outside pressure: Chief Justice

Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, addressing a ceremony, said young judges should ensure the best possible dispensation of justice. He said district courts are the backbone of the justice system.

He said coordination between district courts and the high courts must be strengthened further. He asked district courts to send a list of what they need to provide justice.

He also said the needs of the judiciary would be met to build a comprehensive justice system across the country. “We have introduced reforms in the judicial code of conduct,” he said, and urged judges to perform their duties honestly.

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi said courts were being shifted to solar power. The judiciary will be given the best internet facilities, and courts will be provided with e-libraries.

He said work on basic facilities was under way in all tehsils and Districts of Balochistan. Work was also continuing on facilitation centres for women and children. He said Nagarparkar tehsil in Tharparkar has all facilities, including solar power.

The Chief Justice said he was proud of the subordinate judiciary. He said it had been decided to provide health insurance to judicial officers across the country. The code of conduct has been changed to free judges from outside pressure, he said, and the entire judiciary stands with any judge in this respect.

He said the aim of the judiciary was to empower subordinate court judges so that the public could trust them. Judges of the subordinate judiciary were performing their duties despite difficulties, he said. He thanked the provincial government for its cooperation in providing solar power, internet and clean water in the subordinate courts.

The Chief Justice said that more than Rs3 billion had been released this year under Access to Justice to improve the judiciary. In the past, he said, only Rs900 million was released in 20 years under the Access to Justice programme.

He added that solar power, water and internet had already been provided in 18 Districts of Balochistan. The remaining Districts of Balochistan will be given these facilities within a month.