By: ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY
The World Ambassador
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Islamabad, — The outgoing cabinet of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), led by Mr. Rauf Atta, along with the newly elected cabinet headed by Mr. Haroon ur Rasheed, called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan at the Supreme Court in Islamabad today.
The Chief Justice congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and appreciated the cooperation and support extended by the outgoing cabinet. He remarked that the bench and bar are two essential components of a single justice system, stressing that continued coordination between them is vital for ensuring timely and effective dispensation of justice.
Highlighting recent institutional reforms, the Chief Justice informed the delegation that Public Facilitation Centers have been established at the Principal Seat and all branch registries to provide a single-window service for litigants and lawyers. These centers, he noted, will help ensure timely access to case information and efficient redressal of grievances. The Chief Justice emphasized that these facilities will be further improved through feedback from all stakeholders, including members of the bar, litigants, and visitors, and that constructive suggestions would be welcomed at every stage.
He reaffirmed that cases are being fixed strictly in accordance with the policy available on the Supreme Court’s website, and that applications for early hearings, supported by genuine urgency grounds, are being considered on merit.
The Chief Justice further stated that the judicial process is being modernized through technology, aiming to minimize procedural delays and costs, streamline court services, and facilitate both lawyers and litigants. He reiterated that the Supreme Court remains fully committed to its constitutional limits and continues to respect the judicial and administrative independence of High Courts.
Assuring the new cabinet of continued engagement, the Chief Justice expressed confidence that the long-standing cooperation between the bench and bar would persist. He reaffirmed that the concerns of the legal fraternity would receive due consideration and that the Supreme Court values its partnership with the bar in advancing justice.
The outgoing SCBA cabinet thanked the Chief Justice for his consistent support and recognition of the bar’s role during their tenure. They appreciated the Chief Justice’s active engagement with the legal community nationwide, including his outreach to remote districts.
The newly elected cabinet reiterated its commitment to working closely with the judiciary for accessible, transparent, and efficient justice delivery.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan presented shields to the outgoing cabinet members as a token of respect and goodwill. In return, the bar representatives presented a memento to the Chief Justice to mark the occasion.