Islamabad: Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and constitutional and international law expert Hafiz Ehsan Ahmad Khokhar has said that comprehensive, constitutional and technology-driven reforms to Pakistan’s justice system have become an urgent national necessity, as timely, transparent and effective justice is essential for upholding the Constitution, strengthening public confidence, ensuring economic stability and attracting investment.
In an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan Khokhar said that while Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees protection under the law, fair trial, equality and access to justice, the judicial system continues to face serious challenges due to millions of pending cases, prolonged litigation and administrative shortcomings that delay the delivery of justice.
He said judicial independence remained one of Pakistan’s most important constitutional assets, but added that independence alone was not sufficient. It must be complemented by modern judicial administration, effective case management, digital technology, transparency and institutional accountability to further strengthen public trust in the justice system.
Khokhar described the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCCP) as a significant constitutional development in Pakistan’s judicial structure. However, he said the institution would achieve its full potential only if accompanied by reforms in judicial administration, case management, digital transformation and transparent judicial appointments.
He proposed the establishment of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled National Judicial Case Management System for courts across the country, under which every case would receive a unique digital identity from filing to final adjudication. Such a system, he said, would facilitate case monitoring, record transfer, automated scheduling, judicial statistics and public access to case information online.
He further suggested nationwide implementation of e-filing, virtual hearings, digital records, online certified copies, electronic notices, AI-assisted legal research and advanced case management tools to improve judicial efficiency.
To address the growing backlog of cases, Khokhar proposed extending court working hours in major cities and considering a six-day working week for courts. He stressed, however, that such measures must be accompanied by an increase in the number of judges, court staff, research support and modern facilities to ensure that the quality of justice was not compromised.
He said merit, integrity, constitutional insight, legal competence and administrative ability should remain the guiding principles for judicial appointments, noting that public confidence in the judiciary depended on a transparent and credible appointment process.
Khokhar said the legal fraternity also had a vital role to play in judicial reforms. He urged the Pakistan Bar Council and provincial bar councils to strengthen their codes of professional conduct by discouraging unnecessary adjournments and promoting responsible advocacy.
He also recommended setting reasonable timelines and disposal targets for family, commercial, tax, constitutional and criminal cases, while expanding the use of mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to reduce the burden on courts.
The legal expert called for a national dialogue involving the judiciary, Parliament, the government, the Pakistan Bar Council, provincial bar councils, universities, the business community, civil society and technology experts to develop a comprehensive, practical and constitutionally compliant roadmap for judicial reforms.
He said Pakistan possessed a strong constitutional foundation, a capable legal workforce and adequate institutional capacity. What was needed, he added, was collective political will, modern technology and effective policymaking to build a judicial system capable of delivering timely, affordable and quality justice.
Khokhar emphasized that judicial reforms were not merely about reducing the backlog of cases but were indispensable for restoring public confidence in the justice system, safeguarding fundamental rights, strengthening the rule of law, promoting democratic stability, accelerating economic growth and encouraging both domestic and foreign investment.