10/02/2023
FAILURES OF PAKISTAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM
The Pakistani judicial system is considered as one of the weakest and least effective in the world. Despite being in existence for over seven decades, it has failed to deliver justice to the masses and has become a symbol of corruption and inefficiency. The judicial system of Pakistan has been plagued by numerous issues that have contributed to its failure and rendered it incapable of providing the citizens of Pakistan with a fair and just trial.
One of the main reasons for the failure of the Pakistani judicial system is the widespread corruption. It is widely acknowledged that corruption is rampant in the Pakistani legal system, and this has seriously undermined the public's confidence in the ability of the courts to deliver justice. It is common knowledge that judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals often engage in corrupt practices such as accepting bribes and making false judgments. This has resulted in the public perceiving the courts as being corrupt and untrustworthy, which has severely impacted the efficacy of the judicial system.
Another factor that has contributed to the failure of the Pakistani judicial system is the slow pace of justice. The legal process in Pakistan is often slow, complicated and convoluted, with cases taking years, if not decades, to be resolved. This has resulted in a backlog of cases that is continuously growing, with many individuals waiting for years to receive a resolution to their legal issues. The slow pace of justice is a result of numerous factors, including the shortage of judges, poor case management, and a lack of modern technology and resources.
Furthermore, the Pakistani judicial system also suffers from a lack of independence and impartiality. Judges in Pakistan are often appointed on the basis of political affiliations rather than merit, and are subject to interference from the government and other powerful interests. This has resulted in a lack of confidence in the impartiality of the courts and a widespread perception that justice is not being served.
Another significant issue with the Pakistani judicial system is the lack of access to justice for marginalized communities and those living in rural areas. The vast majority of the population does not have the resources or knowledge to navigate the complex legal system, and as a result, they are often unable to access justice. This has created a justice gap, where the poorest and most vulnerable members of society are left without recourse.
In conclusion, the Pakistani judicial system is in dire need of reform if it is to deliver justice to the people of Pakistan. The government must take concrete steps to address the issues of corruption, slow pace of justice, lack of independence and impartiality, and access to justice for marginalized communities. Only by addressing these issues can the Pakistani judicial system be transformed into a fair and effective system that serves the needs of all citizens. Until that time, the judicial system of Pakistan will continue to be a symbol of failure and injustice.
Here are ten ways to improve the Pakistani judicial system:
Increase the number of judges: A shortage of judges is one of the main reasons for the slow pace of justice in Pakistan. Increasing the number of judges would help reduce the backlog of cases and speed up the resolution of legal issues.
Implement judicial reforms: Reforms should be made to the current legal system to make it more efficient, transparent and accessible to all. This includes modernizing case management systems and improving the infrastructure of courts.
Address corruption: Corruption is a major issue in the Pakistani judicial system and undermines public confidence in the courts. Strict measures should be taken to eliminate corruption and hold those involved accountable.
Ensure independence and impartiality: Judges should be appointed on the basis of merit, and their independence and impartiality must be protected from interference from the government and other powerful interests.
Increase access to justice: Access to justice must be improved for marginalized communities and those living in rural areas. This can be achieved by setting up legal aid centers and providing legal education to the masses.
Strengthen the rule of law: The rule of law is fundamental to an effective judicial system. The government must ensure that the law is applied consistently and that everyone, regardless of status or power, is held accountable for their actions.
Improve legal education: Improving legal education will help create a pool of knowledgeable and competent lawyers who can provide effective representation to those in need of legal assistance.
Enhance technology and resources: The use of technology and resources such as computers, internet access and modern legal databases can significantly improve the efficiency of the legal system.
Encourage public participation: The public must be encouraged to participate in the legal process, including through public legal education programs, legal aid services and other initiatives.
Implement a monitoring and evaluation system: A system of monitoring and evaluation should be put in place to track the progress of reforms and identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, these ten measures can help improve the Pakistani judicial system and make it more effective, efficient and accessible to all. By implementing these reforms, the government can demonstrate its commitment to delivering justice to the people of Pakistan.
✍️: Aziz Ahmad
Student Bachelor's 6th Law department AWKUM