Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today (December 7) said that efforts are underway to enhance access to justice through technological advancements, procedural reforms, and expanded legal aid services.

He said: “As part of my steadfast commitment to institutional reform and strengthening the independence of the judiciary, I have taken decisive steps to establish the foundations for true separation of powers.” 

The CJ was addressing as the chief guest at a conference titled “Judicial Independence and Efficiency” at a city hotel here. 
 
He added: “I have declared and initiated the process of creating a separate Secretariat for the Judiciary, a pivotal measure to ensure the judiciary's administrative autonomy.”
 
Alongside this, the Chief Justice said they have proposed the formation of a Judicial Appointment Council to institutionalize transparency and meritocracy in the appointment process of apex court judges, as well as Posting and Transfer Guidelines for District Judiciaries, aimed at fostering consistency and fairness in judicial postings. 

“These proposals have been formally submitted to the government for necessary action, marking a significant step toward the complete institutional separation of the judiciary from the executive branch,” he said.

BDST: 1858 HRS, DEC 07, 2024
MN/SMS