Islamabad ( Khyber Point) Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has acknowledged the growing role of technology in justice systems but cautioned that Pakistan’s judiciary is “not yet ready” for the immediate use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the Supreme Court during the opening ceremony of the new judicial year, Justice Afridi said reforms have been introduced on five core foundations since he assumed office. These include the launch of digital case filing and e-services. “We must adopt technology, and AI will be part of the future, but we are not fully prepared to implement it right now,” he said.
He announced that 61,000 case files are being digitized under a six-month scanning project. Once completed, AI-based scheduling of cases will begin. “If this project succeeds, it will pave the way for AI integration in judicial functions,” Afridi added.
The Chief Justice also inaugurated a facilitation center at the Supreme Court, symbolically opened by a common litigant. From October 1, the center will provide comprehensive information and free legal assistance to those unable to afford counsel — from magistrates’ courts up to the Supreme Court.
Addressing judicial conduct, Justice Afridi clarified that judges face no restrictions on taking leave but must follow defined procedures. He also highlighted security reforms, noting that he had reduced his personal convoy from nine vehicles to two.
On pending cases, Afridi emphasized transparency: “We will not lift a case from the bottom of the list to the top. Cases will be heard in order.” He disclosed that lawyers submitted 56,000 adjournment requests last year, delaying proceedings.
Regarding accountability, he revealed that the Supreme Judicial Council has disposed of 64 complaints against judges, with 72 under review and 65 still pending. A council meeting is scheduled later this month to finalize the remaining cases.
