Pakistan’s Judiciary Not Yet Ready for Artificial Intelligence, Says Chief Justice

Islamabad – Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has said that while the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the justice system is inevitable, the country is not yet fully prepared for its immediate integration.

Addressing a ceremony marking the opening of the new judicial year at the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice said the tradition began in the 1970s and was institutionalized in 2004 as a moment to review judicial performance.

Afridi noted that since assuming office, he has prioritized reforms based on five key pillars, including the introduction of digital case filing and e-services. “The justice system should embrace AI, but we are not immediately ready for it,” he stated, announcing that an internal audit of the judiciary has also been carried out.

He highlighted that more than 61,000 case files will be digitally scanned within six months, and once this project is completed, AI will be used to help schedule cases. “The successful completion of digital scanning will pave the way for the application of artificial intelligence,” he said.

On judicial security, the Chief Justice revealed that all judges have agreed to a new code, under which extra security will only be provided in high-risk situations outside Islamabad or the Red Zone. “I myself reduced my security convoy from nine vehicles to just two,” he added.

Afridi also announced that the Supreme Court Facilitation Centre will become fully operational on October 1, ensuring public access to information and services. He stressed that technology must be leveraged to deliver justice more efficiently, with faster disposal of cases among the court’s top priorities.

Regarding the framing of new rules, he said proposals would be presented to a committee before finalization, emphasizing that rules cannot be developed in a single day. “The Supreme Court belongs to everyone, and our mission is to strengthen the rule of law,” the Chief Justice concluded.