ISLAMABAD: The esteemed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, has taken a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency of the nation’s judiciary by reconstituting the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC).
Under the leadership of Mr. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, alongside the esteemed Mr. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and participation from judges of the High Courts and the Federal Shariat Court, the NJAC embarks on a transformative journey.
The primary objective of the National Judicial Automation Committee is to usher in an era of digitalization within the legal landscape of Pakistan. This encompasses the digitalization of court processes and records, the introduction of mobile applications to facilitate improved access to justice, and the enhancement of overall case management. Going beyond conventional approaches, the committee aspires to integrate cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), into the legal processes and research methodologies.
Justice Shah passionately advocates for the embrace of technological advancements within the justice sector. Recognizing the global shift from the Industrial Revolution to the Era of Technological Transformation, he emphasizes the imperative for the Justice Sector in Pakistan to invest in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, modernized training programs, and robust measures for the administration of justice.
Justice Mazhar echoes this sentiment, viewing the digitization of the justice sector as just the starting point for a more comprehensive transformation. Looking ahead, there is a steadfast commitment to continuously enhance digital capabilities, ensuring improved access to justice and fostering a legal process characterized by transparency and efficiency.
Drawing from their distinguished tenures, both Justice Shah and Justice Mazhar bring valuable experience to the committee. Justice Shah, during his tenure as Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, spearheaded an automation project resulting in the successful deployment of the Case Flow Management System. Simultaneously, Justice Mazhar implemented several initiatives to equip the High Court of Sindh with advanced IT technology.
The NJAC operates as a pivotal sub-committee of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), an apex body dedicated to enhancing the performance of justice administration, streamlining judicial processes and standards, and ensuring a skilled and efficient judiciary. At the helm of the NJPMC is Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, with the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan serving as the Secretariat of the NJPMC, providing crucial support to the NJAC in its pursuit of transformative advancements within the realm of legal governance.
