Islamabad, Oct 11, 2025 (APP): Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi visited Booni in Upper Chitral.
His visit aimed to address the gap between underserved populations and the Access to Justice Development Fund.
During his engagement with judicial officers and Bar members from Upper and Lower Chitral, the Chief Justice praised their dedication under challenging circumstances. He emphasized that the Bench and Bar share equal responsibility in upholding the rule of law and highlighted integrity, mutual respect, and accountability as pillars of judicial independence. He assured full institutional support to strengthen the district judiciary.
He announced that authorities have allocated over Rs. 3.3 billion from the Access to Justice Development Fund and the federal government grants to upgrade court infrastructure and public facilities by August 2026. These projects will provide solar-powered courts, e-libraries, water filtration plants, women facilitation centers, and legal aid for unrepresented litigants, under the guidance of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC).
The Chief Justice outlined ongoing reforms to evaluate judges based on Rule of Law indicators, standardize recruitment and training, establish District Judiciary Policy Forums, create uniform service structures, and digitize courts in collaboration with the Ministry of IT. He also noted that the judiciary is expanding international cooperation with China and Türkiye.
Reaffirming judicial independence, he stated that officers will receive full support to discharge their duties and protection from undue influence. He inaugurated a video link facility by Peshawar High Court in Booni and visited Langlands School and College in Lower Chitral, praising its contributions to education and community service.