ISLAMABAD:
Supreme Court’s Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan has said that constitutional bench, established under the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, reflected the will of parliament and marked a structural development in the Court’s functioning.
On the invitation of the International Lawyers Association (ILA), Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan attended the Annual ILA Seminar and Dinner at Gray’s Inn, London, where he was the Guest of Honor, according to a press release.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of the global legal fraternity, with notable participation from South Asia — particularly Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India — as well as senior practitioners and a former UK judge.
The seminar provided a vital platform for dialogue on contemporary legal issues, challenges confronting judicial systems, and the shared commitment of the international legal community to justice and the rule of law.
In his address, Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan spoke on two central themes: the importance of the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the need to address case pendency.
He explained that the Constitutional Bench, established under the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, reflects the will of Parliament and marks a structural development in the Court’s functioning.
The bench, he noted, ensures dedicated focus on constitutional interpretation and adjudication, with the judiciary faithfully discharging its role as guardian of the Constitution within the framework, prescribed by law. He emphasized that the judiciary cannot extend its mandate beyond the limits set by the Constitution and must consistently adhere to its constitutional role.
On the issue of backlog, Justice Bilal acknowledged the heavy pendency of cases before the Supreme Court, stressing that access to justice requires timely and efficient disposal of disputes. He reaffirmed that the judges are deeply conscious of their constitutional duty and remain fully devoted to discharging it with diligence, impartiality, and efficiency.
He underlined the importance of systematic measures such as improved case management, technology-driven solutions for hearings and tracking, and better rationalization of judicial time to prioritize matters of significant constitutional consequence.
Reducing pendency, he stressed, is not only an administrative necessity but also a constitutional imperative essential to public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law.
Justice Shahid Bilal’s remarks were warmly received by participants and reflected the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s resolve to address contemporary challenges with foresight while remaining anchored in constitutionalism, fairness, and the rule of law.
His participation at this prestigious forum also contributed to strengthening professional bonds, enhancing mutual understanding, and fostering meaningful exchange among jurists and lawyers from diverse jurisdictions.
