Islamabad – The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, has announced a series of significant reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the country’s justice system. During its 56th session, attended by Chief Justice of the Federal IT Court Aminuddin Khan and all High Court Chief Justices, the committee prioritized addressing enforced disappearances and streamlining commercial litigation.
A central focus of the meeting was the resolution of enforced disappearance cases, for which the NJPMC agreed upon an effective institutional response. Furthermore, a new mechanism will be introduced to ensure strict compliance with the law requiring arrested individuals to be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours, aiming to uphold due process and prevent arbitrary detention.
To expedite the resolution of business disputes, the committee approved the implementation of a ‘Commercial Litigation Corridor’ for faster judicial outcomes in commercial cases. Other crucial decisions included mandating strict adherence to prescribed timelines for case dispositions and developing national guidelines for the integration and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the courts, signifying a move towards modernizing judicial practices.
The NJPMC lauded the Lahore High Court for its record achievement of clearing over 465,000 cases and commended the Peshawar High Court for its efficient system for inheritance cases. Demonstrating a commitment to digital transformation, the committee sanctioned the immediate rollout of e-filing across all district courts. It further directed the swift resolution of all inheritance cases filed up to 2019 within a 30-day timeframe.
In a bid to foster a more equitable and accessible justice system, the committee decided to consult with provincial governments on comprehensive jail reforms and gave in-principle approval for the establishment of women and family facilitation centers. Financially, over PKR 2.58 billion was directed for release under the Access to Justice Fund, and provincial governments were instructed to secure additional funds for the solarization of court buildings, promoting sustainability and reducing operational costs.
**National Security and Crime Updates**
Meanwhile, amidst ongoing threats of bombings and targeted attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, concerns were raised regarding the lack of additional financial incentives for the provincial police, despite challenging operational conditions. Authorities have launched operations against extortion groups, including Wasiullah Lakho and Abdul Samad Kathiawari, based on intelligence and technical evidence. Data from the ’15’ emergency helpline shows a 28% reduction in crime-related calls. Rangers reported intercepting smugglers concealing mobile phones in hidden compartments en route from Balochistan, while Karachi Police apprehended multiple individuals, including Jawad Qadri and Shahzaib Mulla, for alleged involvement in extortion rackets. A grim discovery was made at Karachi Airport’s Jinnah Terminal, where the body of a foreign airline’s station manager was found. Separately, the body of a missing woman was recovered from Sector 11.5 of Orangi Town, Karachi. In Islamabad, a court issued a written settlement order in the case of two scooty riders, Samreen Hussain and Tabinda Batool, killed in a vehicle collision. In Kot Samaba, robbers reportedly looted six hundred thousand rupees from a citizen before fleeing. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has refuted specific political propaganda targeting its operations.
**Infrastructure and Weather**
Heavy snowfall has disrupted traffic flow on mountainous routes, leading to potential road closures in several areas. Motorway M-1 was temporarily closed from Peshawar to Rashakai by Motorway Police due to adverse conditions.
**Political Statement**
In a separate political development, Rana Sanaullah reiterated his assertion that national affairs continue to operate under the influence of Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the founder of PTI.
**In Brief**
Bilal bin Saqib announced the establishment of a transparent and globally compliant pathway for international exchanges, marking a shift towards institutional change and modern thinking. Election updates indicate that out of 178 polling stations, 84 have been declared sensitive and 54 highly sensitive, with polling continuing uninterrupted until 5 PM. A leopard, captured five days ago with local assistance in the Galiyat region, is now posing a challenge for wildlife authorities. In a symbolic gesture, wrestler John Cena left his shoes, armbands, and wristbands in the ring. The Pakistani reality show ‘Lazawal Ishq,’ resembling the British show ‘Love Island,’ was removed from YouTube Pakistan after 50 episodes. Foreign media reported an altercation between England’s cricket security staff and local media representatives in Brisbane and Adelaide. Separately, actress Hania Aamir has been a subject of public attention due to rumors of cosmetic procedures, despite her natural beauty.
