CJP Afridi describes agreement as an important step for constitutional governance, fundamental rights in both countries
The ceremony of the judicial cooperation agreement between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkiye in Islamabad. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Monday highlighted the importance of judicial cooperation with Turkiye and emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening Pakistan’s judiciary.
His remarks came during a ceremony marking the signing of a judicial cooperation agreement between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkiye in Islamabad.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of establishing a structured framework for cooperation focusing on judicial exchange, capacity building and sharing of best practices in adjudication.
CJP Afridi welcomed the Turkish delegation led by Kadir Özkaya and described the MoU as a “significant step for constitutional governance and fundamental rights in both countries.”
Recalling his visit to Turkiye, he said, “I had the honor of attending the 63rd anniversary of the Turkish Constitutional Court. During the visit, I spoke to experts in artificial intelligence and expressed my desire to bring such expertise to Pakistan. These experts also participated in our symposium.”
Highlighting further plans to acquaint Pakistani judicial officials with Turkiye’s advanced legal system, he said, “Arrangements were made for a visit to Turkiye for our judicial officials.”
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Chief Justice of Turkey’s Constitutional Court, Kadir Özkaya, also addressed the ceremony, saying: “The judicial system is a fundamental part of life. I am happy to see that Pakistan’s judges are highly competent.” Emphasizing the shared values between the two countries, he said, “We believe in the sovereignty of Allah,” and praised the strong brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye.
The ceremony was also attended by Chief Justice of the Federal Sharia Court, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and other senior officials.
The high-level Turkish delegation visiting Islamabad from April 6 to 9 includes prominent judges and senior officials. The MoU is expected to strengthen institutional relations between the Supreme Courts of Pakistan and Turkey, promote professional development of the judiciary – particularly at the district level – and support the integration of modern technologies into judicial processes to improve efficiency, transparency and access to justice.
According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court on Sunday, the MoU is expected to establish a structured and forward-looking framework for cooperation with a focus on judicial exchange, capacity building and sharing of best practices in adjudication.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s and Turkey’s joint commitment to strengthening constitutional governance, upholding the rule of law and strengthening judicial independence, as well as promoting closer institutional links between their superior courts.
