ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct for Judges in order to establish an institutional mechanism for responding to “extraneous influence”.
The CJP on Friday chaired the 55th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), convened at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The committee deliberated on key policy issues, while reviewing implementation status of the decisions taken in its 54th meeting.
The chief justice of the Federal Shariat Court and the chief justices of all the high courts were present in the meeting. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan also attended the session on special invitation.
According to a detailed statement issued by the SC, the CJP acknowledged the efforts of all high courts for notifying the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) providing mechanism for institutional response to extraneous influence on judges at the district level. He observed that similar safeguards are necessary to protect the independence and integrity of the judges of the superior judiciary.
In this regard, he apprised the committee that he has proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct for Judges seeking to establish an institutional mechanism for responding to extraneous influence.
The proposed amendments also include additions that were approved by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in 1967 and 2003 and circulated for compliance at the relevant time, but were not incorporated in the notified Code of Conduct.
The panel also deliberated on substitution of an article relating to exposure of judges to media. It said after detailed deliberation, the chief justices of the high courts unanimously agreed and endorsed the proposed amendments, with necessary modifications and suggestions.
“They urged that the chair, in his capacity as its chairman, may place the same before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) for consideration and approval.”
It unanimously reiterated its resolve to strengthen institutional capacity, accelerate access to justice, and ensure efficient and effective justice delivery.
It also emphasized the importance of sustaining institutional coherence among all tiers of the judiciary to improve accessibility, efficiency, and integrity in the dispensation of justice.
Opening the proceedings, the CJP invited the AGP to brief the committee on the progress made in developing a coordinated institutional response to cases of enforced disappearances.
He informed the forum that the issue of enforced disappearances has almost been resolved through the recent amendment in section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, requiring production of a detained person before a magistrate within twenty-four hours.
He assured the panel that a comprehensive mechanism to redress complaints of non-compliance with this legal requirement is being considered by the government, which will be placed before the committee in its next meeting.
“The committee appreciated the assurance by the AGP,” it said.
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the sustained efforts of all high courts, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Law and Justice Commission Secretariat for their valuable contributions toward strengthening the administration of justice, promoting institutional coherence, and enhancing public confidence in the judicial system.
