CJP Afridi describes agreement as significant step for constitutional governance, fundamental rights in both countries
The ceremony for the judicial cooperation agreement between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkiye in Islamabad. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Monday highlighted the significance of judicial cooperation with Turkiye, stressing the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening Pakistan’s judiciary.
His remarks came during a ceremony marking the signing of a judicial cooperation agreement between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkiye in Islamabad.
The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a structured framework for collaboration, focusing on judicial exchange, capacity building, and sharing best practices in adjudication.
Welcoming the Turkish delegation led by Kadir Özkaya, CJP Afridi described the MoU as a “significant step for constitutional governance and fundamental rights in both countries.”
Recalling his visit to Turkiye, he said, “I had the honour of attending the 63rd anniversary of the Constitutional Court of Turkiye. During the visit, I engaged with artificial intelligence experts and expressed my desire to bring such expertise to Pakistan. These experts also participated in our symposium.”
He further highlighted plans to familiarise Pakistani judicial officers with Turkiye’s advanced judicial system, saying, “Arrangements were made for a visit to Turkiye for our judicial officers.”
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Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of Turkey, Kadir Özkaya, also addressed the ceremony, saying, “The justice system is a fundamental part of life. I am pleased to see that Pakistan’s judges are highly competent.” He emphasised the shared values between the two countries, stating, “We believe in the sovereignty of Allah,” and praised the strong brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye.
The ceremony was also attended by Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and other senior officials.
The high-level Turkish delegation, visiting Islamabad from April 6 to 9, includes distinguished judges and senior officials. The MoU is expected to strengthen institutional links between Pakistan’s and Turkiye’s superior courts, promote professional development of the judiciary—particularly at the district level—and support the integration of modern technologies into judicial processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to justice.
According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court on Sunday, the MoU is expected to establish a structured and forward-looking framework for collaboration, focusing on judicial exchange, capacity building, and sharing best practices in adjudication.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Turkiye to strengthening constitutional governance, upholding the rule of law, and reinforcing judicial independence, as well as fostering closer institutional linkages between their superior courts.
