AJK Chief Justice Stresses Transparency, Accountability in Judiciary

National Unity, Rule of Law Essential for Pakistan’s Progress: AJK CJ

Muzaffarabad-(Special Correspondent)-Chief Justice of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, emphasized the significance of beginning the judicial year with integrity, asserting that it lays the foundation for an independent, impartial, and dignified judiciary. He stated that the primary responsibility of all state institutions—judiciary, administration, and legislature—is to address the public’s needs and foster a welfare state.**

**Highlighting the constitutional duty outlined in Article 42, he reiterated that all state institutions must adhere to the Supreme Court’s orders, as no individual or institution is above the constitution. As the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, he expressed pride in this milestone. Currently, the court has a few pending cases from 2022 and about 50 from 2023, while cases filed in 2024 are actively being heard. In the previous judicial year, the Supreme Court resolved a remarkable total of 2,980 cases, a feat that stands out in South Asia.**

**Justice Khan made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the 2024-25 judicial year, attended by legal dignitaries, including President of the Supreme Court Bar Raja Sajjad Ahmad Khan, Vice Chairman of the Bar Council Ashfaq Hussain Kazmi, and Advocate General Sheikh Masood Iqbal. High-ranking judges, tribunal chairs, and numerous lawyers were also present, emphasizing the collective commitment to justice.**

**Reflecting on his tenure, Justice Khan expressed gratitude to Allah for the successful completion of his fifth year as Chief Justice. He reiterated that a strong and dignified judiciary is crucial for establishing justice in society. He urged all state institutions to collaborate in safeguarding citizens’ rights, promoting good governance, and ensuring fair access to justice.**

**The Chief Justice lamented the delays in implementing court decisions, noting that such inefficiencies erode public trust in the justice system. He stressed that all judges must deliver justice impartially and without fear, highlighting the judiciary’s responsibility to provide a transparent and accountable framework.**

**He called for a culture of self-accountability, emphasizing that judges must deliver fair judgments to foster public confidence. Justice Khan praised the judiciary’s past achievements and expressed hope for continued progress, advocating for reforms to streamline the justice delivery system.**

**Justice Khan acknowledged the challenges posed by systemic issues that delay the execution of judgments, which often results in prolonged civil cases. He reiterated that the judiciary must uphold principles established in past judgments while striving for continual improvement. He celebrated the judiciary’s commitment to working during vacations and leveraging technology, such as video links, to ensure no urgent case is delayed.**

**Concluding his address, Justice Khan highlighted the essential relationship between the bar and bench for achieving a robust rule of law. He commended the Bar Council and various bar associations for their role in advocating for constitutional supremacy and fundamental rights. He encouraged the youth to study law thoroughly, equipping themselves to contribute effectively to the legal profession.**

**Justice Khan’s remarks serve as a call to action for all stakeholders in the legal system to uphold justice and work towards a fair and equitable society.

The Chief Justice of Azad Jammu and Kashmir delivered a speech marking the beginning of the new judicial year. He emphasized the importance of implementing judicial decisions, stating that non-implementation undermines the rule of law and the Constitution’s supremacy.

The Chief Justice highlighted several significant cases, including the Mohammad Azim Dutt v. Raja Khadim Hussain case, where the court ordered action against illegal occupation and master plan violations in Mirpur. He also mentioned the Miriz Afzal vs. Secretary of Endowment Department case, where instructions were issued to address mismanagement and financial irregularities in Awqaf properties.

Additionally, he discussed a case addressing the sale of adulterated milk and substandard food items, resulting in crackdowns on involved mafias. The Chief Justice praised the government’s positive progress in implementing court decisions and acknowledged the Prime Minister’s support.

He also announced the upcoming Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Supreme Court’s establishment, inviting participation from the Bar, lawyers, and institutions associated with the justice delivery system.

The President of the Supreme Court Bar, Raja Sajjad Ahmed Khan Advocate, praised the court’s performance, noting that it decided 3000 cases in the last judicial year, with no pending cases older than one year. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the bar and bench.

Advocate General Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Masood Iqbal, also spoke, highlighting the significance of the judicial year ceremony. He praised the Chief Justice’s leadership and the court’s historic decisions, which have strengthened public confidence in the judiciary.

Iqbal emphasized the importance of lawyers’ cooperation in the justice delivery system and urged them to read case files, relevant laws, and high court decisions before appearing in court.

The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to uphold high professional standards and meet the people’s hopes and aspirations.