ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has raised serious concerns over the shortage of basic judicial infrastructure in remote regions during a high-level meeting of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for improved facilities to ensure timely access to justice across underserved areas.

The session, chaired by CJP Afridi, was attended by Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Attique Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary, and the provincial secretary of finance. The participants discussed strategies to bridge regional disparities and enhance judicial services in remote and sensitive areas.

According to an official statement, CJP Afridi emphasized the importance of establishing modern judicial infrastructure with well-equipped facilitation centres. He stressed the need for gender-sensitive and women-friendly facilities to ensure safe and accessible judicial services for all citizens, particularly women in remote districts.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing national initiatives under the Access to Justice Funds managed by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan. Chief Justice SM Attique Shah briefed the participants on the successful establishment of family court blocks in Peshawar and Swat, highlighting the positive impact on local communities.

Participants reaffirmed the commitment of the judiciary and provincial government to strengthen judicial infrastructure and enhance public facilitation. The discussion focused on improving access to justice in line with constitutional mandates and national policy goals, ensuring that citizens in every district benefit from equal legal services.

The meeting further explored the use of video-link facilities for district administration officers in sensitive areas. Directions were issued to make these facilities immediately available wherever necessary, reinforcing the judiciary’s focus on modern technology to support remote administration and efficient delivery of justice.