AJK SC unveils reform roadmap for faster justice, digital transformation

MIRPUR, Oct 5 (APP): Chief Justice Azad Jammu and Kashmir Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan has outlined a comprehensive judicial reform agenda focused on expediting justice, strengthening institutional accountability, embracing digital technology and improving public service delivery as the Supreme Court commenced its new judicial year 2026-27 after the summer recess.

Addressing the opening ceremony in the State metropolis on Monday, the Chief Justice stressed effective implementation of court orders to maintain public confidence in state institutions and directed particular attention to compliance with judicial decisions and accountability of officials responsible for violations. He said modern technology and artificial intelligence should be integrated into the justice system to accelerate case disposal, improve institutional efficiency, digitise judicial records and facilitate public access to court proceedings and judgments.

He noted that the Supreme Court’s Online Public Facilitation Portal was already providing access to cause lists, bench rosters and latest judgments, while a Public Facilitation Centre, e-Copy Application, e-Challan, ATM Bank Desk, e-Courts and Overseas Portal were under development.

Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan also called for an effective Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanism to resolve disputes efficiently and reduce the burden on courts. He said reforms were being pursued to improve the performance of subordinate courts through judicial inspections, administrative measures and better case management, while steps were also being taken to address the shortage of judges in the High Court and expedite disposal of pending cases.

He also highlighted the judiciary’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights and strengthening public institutions, saying court interventions had contributed to improvements in health, education, food safety, environmental protection, merit, governance and protection of vulnerable groups. He directed the government and relevant departments to expand food testing and inspection facilities across all districts and tehsils and take effective action against adulterated and hazardous food.

The Chief Justice said judicial infrastructure had also been significantly improved across AJK, while construction of the state-of-the-art Supreme Court building in Mirpur was nearing completion. He called upon the government and relevant departments to ensure timely release of funds so the project could be completed within the stipulated period, noting that inadequate space in the existing building was affecting judicial work. He said the Supreme Court had decided 2,325 cases during the previous judicial year and appreciated the contribution of judges and lawyers. He urged continued coordination among the judiciary, legislature, executive and legal fraternity to strengthen the rule of law, institutional accountability, judicial independence and effective delivery of justice. Advocate General Raja Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Vice Chairman Bar Council Raja Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan, President Supreme Court Bar Association Raja Aftab Ahmed and Advocate Kausar Awan also addressed the ceremony.