QUETTA – Virtually passing a stricture, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Saturday held that the Law and Justice Commission had not acted upon the recommendations of the National Judicial (Policymaking) Committee.

“The provision of expeditious and inexpensive justice to all segments of the society is the main concern of the judicial committee,” Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry asserted as he called on the government to implement the body’s proposals as soon as possible.
The Chief Justice, while addressing a meeting of the judicial committee at the Balochistan High Court conference room in Quetta, affirmed that “the judicial policy sets out a roadmap to achieve the sacred purpose of prompt dispensation of justice by a free judiciary”.
Observing that the fruits of the judicial policy had started reaching out to the masses in a short period of time, Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said that as the “solution to all public problems lies in the rule of law”, more such steps were needed to be taken.
“Among all state institutions, it is the utmost responsibility of the judiciary to ensure the administration of justice,” he remarked, observing that the rule of law, dispensation of justice and good governance lead society to stability and economic development.
Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry further said that as the people considered the judiciary their saviour, decisions should be made on the basis of merit. “This is the time to identify the shortcomings and provide expeditious and inexpensive justice to all.”
“Our judicial policy is not something sacrosanct,” said the Chief Justice of Pakistan as he reaffirmed that they had been trying to deliver justice to the people at their doorsteps, irrespective of their caste, creed, status, ethnic background, religion or gender.
“We are trying to deliver justice to the people at their door steps,” Chief Justice Iftikhar said. About the jail conditions, the CJP said there was a dire need for reforms in jails to provide such an environment to prisoners that after serving their terms, they could be reintegrated into the society as responsible and law-abiding citizens.
He, however, added that directions were being issued to the authorities concerned in order to alleviate the sufferings of prisoners. “Besides, district and sessions judges and additional district and sessions judges have been ordered to monitor jails fortnightly.”
The number of cases pending with the subordinate courts had declined, the CJP told the meeting that was attended by chief justices of the high courts and Federal Shariat Court.
The CJ maintained that an independent and strong system of administration of justice ensures stability, rule of law and good governance in the society. No one can deny that the good governance, in turn leads to socio-economic development by generating commercial activities and investment opportunities.
“We look around, will find the success is adherence to the Constitution, rule of law and a system of government which provides good governance and strong administration,” the CJ said.
He noted that after implementation of National Judicial Policy, the disposal rate as well as performance of the justice sector institution has improved considerably.
The CJ also sought suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of Policy and how to strengthen the system of administration of Justice.