CJP Afridi describes the agreement as an important step for constitutional governance and fundamental rights in both countries
The ceremony of judicial cooperation agreement between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkiye in Islamabad. PHOTO: SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Monday highlighted the importance of judicial cooperation with Turkiye, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening Pakistan’s judiciary.
His remarks came during a signing ceremony 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) aimed at establishing a structured framework for collaboration, focusing on judicial exchange, capacity building and sharing best practices in adjudication.
Welcoming the Turkish delegation led by Kadir Özkaya, CJP Afridi 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 Turkiye Constitutional Court. During the visit, I interacted with artificial intelligence experts and expressed my desire to bring that experience to Pakistan. These experts also participated in our symposium.”
He further highlighted plans to familiarize Pakistani judicial officials with Turkiye’s advanced judicial system, saying: “Arrangements have been made for a visit to Turkiye by our judicial officials.”
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President of Turkey’s Constitutional Court Kadir Özkaya also addressed the ceremony and said: “The justice system is a fundamental part of life. I am pleased to see that Pakistan’s judges are highly competent.” He emphasized the shared values between the two countries, stating: “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 Shariat Court Justice Aminuddin Khan, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and other senior officials.
The high-level Turkish delegation, which will visit Islamabad from April 6 to 9, includes distinguished judges and senior officials. The MoU is expected to strengthen institutional links between the high courts of Pakistan and Turkiye, promote professional development of the judiciary (particularly at the district level) and support the integration of modern technologies in 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 collaboration, focusing on judicial exchange, capacity building and sharing of best practices in adjudication.
The initiative reflects Pakistan and Turkiye’s shared commitment to strengthening constitutional governance, upholding the rule of law and strengthening judicial independence, as well as fostering closer institutional links between their superior courts.
