ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has proposed changes to the code of conduct for judges to establish an institutional mechanism to respond to “foreign influence”.
The CJP on Friday chaired the 55th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), convened by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The committee discussed key policy issues while reviewing the implementation status of the decisions taken at its 54th meeting.
The Chief Justice of the Federal Sharia Court and the Chief Justices of all the High Courts were present in the meeting. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan also attended the session on special invitation.
According to a detailed statement issued by the SC, the CJP acknowledged the efforts of all the high courts to notify Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that provide mechanisms for institutional response to undue influence on district-level judges. He noted that similar safeguards are necessary to protect the independence and integrity of judges in the superior judiciary.
In that connection, he informed the committee that he has proposed changes to the code of conduct for judges with a view to establishing an institutional mechanism to respond to outside influence.
The proposed amendments also include additions which were approved by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in 1967 and 2003 and circulated for compliance at the relevant time, but which were not incorporated into the notified Code of Conduct.
The panel also discussed replacing an article regarding exposure of judges to the media. It said, after detailed consideration, the Chief Justices unanimously agreed and approved the proposed changes with necessary modifications and suggestions.
“They urged that the Speaker, in his capacity as its Chairman, may submit the same to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) for consideration and approval.”
It unanimously reiterated its resolve to strengthen institutional capacity, speed up access to justice and ensure effective and efficient administration of justice.
It also emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional coherence between all layers of the judiciary in order to improve the accessibility, efficiency and integrity of judicial decision-making.
Initiating the proceedings, the CJP called on the AGP to brief the Committee on the progress made in developing a coordinated institutional response to cases of enforced disappearances.
He informed the forum that the issue of enforced disappearances has almost been resolved through the recent amendment in section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, which requires a detained person to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.
He assured the panel that a comprehensive mechanism to redress complaints of non-compliance with this legal requirement is being considered by the government, which will be placed before the committee at its next meeting.
“The committee appreciated the assurance given by the AGP,” it said.
The meeting ended with appreciation for the continued efforts of all high courts, the Ministry of Justice and the Secretariat of the Law and Justice Commission for their valuable contribution to strengthening the administration of justice, promoting institutional coherence and increasing public confidence in the legal system.
