ISLAMABAD: The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) is set to convene on May 26 to formulate a policy that will offer an institutional response to the long-standing and sensitive issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi announced on Tuesday.
During a session with members of the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PAS) at the Supreme Court Building, CJP Afridi stated, “I have initiated discussions with the government regarding this matter. We are still awaiting their response, which will be presented at the NJPMC meeting along with input from the legal community and intelligence agencies.”
The CJP emphasized that the goal of the meeting is to address the issue of missing persons and establish a framework for handling future cases within the high courts, with a vision of permanently resolving this issue. “It’s important that we bring closure to this matter once and for all,” he said, adding that the issue would remain the top priority on the agenda for upcoming NJPMC meetings. He also expressed his openness to suggestions from the media.
Supreme Court to Encourage Digital Submissions Starting June 15
In a move towards a more efficient and eco-friendly system, the CJP revealed that starting June 15, the Supreme Court would begin discouraging the submission of petitions in hard copy, advocating instead for electronic submissions. This transition aims to promote a paperless system and create a comprehensive digital database to improve case management.
CJP Comments on Judges’ Transfer and Constitutional Matters
On the matter of transferring three judges to the Islamabad High Court, the CJP affirmed that he would continue to support the decision. However, he added that in his view, the seniority of judges transferred from one high court to another should be considered starting from the bottom.
Regarding the 26th Amendment, the CJP chose not to comment, as the matter is currently sub judice before the Constitutional Bench. He stressed the importance of exercising caution when discussing such issues, as Parliament is responsible for making laws and enacting constitutional amendments, which should be respected unless overturned by Parliament or the courts.
