Islamabad :A high-level meeting of the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee (NJPMC), chaired by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, has expressed serious concern over the issue of missing persons in Pakistan. The committee emphasized that the judiciary will not compromise on the protection of fundamental rights.
The session, attended by the Chief Justices of all high courts and the Additional Attorney General, announced the formation of a high-powered institutional committee to address the missing persons crisis. The committee will also consider concerns raised by the executive regarding the matter.
Key decisions from the meeting include:
Protection of Judicial Officers: New frameworks to shield judges from external influence will be introduced across high courts.
Expedited Case Processing: A “Commercial Litigation Corridor” has been approved to speed up business-related cases.
Trial Reforms: Model Criminal Trial Courts and a Double Dock Court system will be piloted to reduce case backlogs.
Judicial Consistency: A new body, headed by Justice (R) Rahmat Hussain, will ensure standardization in district courts.
Video Link SOPs: Guidelines will be issued for virtual attendance of undertrial prisoners and official witnesses.
Legal Reforms Index: A “Professional Excellence Index” will be developed to improve recruitment of judges.
Police Reforms: The committee appreciated the IG Punjab’s presentation and pledged further collaboration.
The committee reiterated its commitment to fair justice, transparency, and upholding the rights of all citizens—particularly in sensitive matters such as enforced disappearances.
