ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct of Judges in order to establish an institutional mechanism to respond to “extraneous influences”.
The CJP on Friday chaired the 55th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), convened at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The committee deliberated on key policy issues, while reviewing the status of implementation of the decisions taken at its 54th meeting.
The chief justice of the Federal Shariat Court and the chief justices of all high courts were present at the meeting. Attorney General of 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 high courts to notify Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that provide an institutional response mechanism to extraneous influences on judges at the district level. He noted that similar safeguards are necessary to protect the independence and integrity of judges in the higher judiciary.
In this sense, he informed the committee that he has proposed amendments to the Judges’ Code of Conduct seeking to establish an institutional mechanism to respond to extraneous influences.
The proposed amendments also include additions that were approved by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in 1967 and 2003 and circulated for compliance at the relevant time, but were not incorporated in the notified Code of Conduct.
The panel also deliberated on replacing an article related to judges’ exposure to the media. He said after detailed deliberation, the chief justices unanimously agreed and endorsed the proposed amendments, with necessary modifications and suggestions.
“They urged that the President, in his capacity as President, may present the same to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) for consideration and approval.”
They unanimously reiterated their determination to strengthen institutional capacity, accelerate access to justice and ensure efficient and effective administration of justice.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional coherence between all levels of the judiciary to improve accessibility, efficiency and integrity in the administration of justice.
In opening the procedure, the CJP invited the AGP to report to the committee on the progress made in developing a coordinated institutional response to cases of forced disappearances.
He informed the forum that the issue of enforced disappearances has almost been resolved thanks to the recent amendment of Article 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, which requires the presentation of a detained person before a magistrate within twenty-four hours.
He assured the panel that the government is considering a comprehensive mechanism to redress complaints of non-compliance with this legal requirement, which will be presented to the committee at its next meeting.
“The committee appreciated the AGP’s assurances,” he said.
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the sustained efforts of all the High Courts, the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Secretariat of the Law and Justice Commission for their valuable contributions in strengthening the administration of justice, promoting institutional coherence and increasing public confidence in the judicial system.
