CHIEF JUSTICE OF PAKISTAN MEETS LORD CHIEF JUSTICE OF ENGLAND AND WALES AND JUDGES OF THE QUEEN’S BENCH DIVISION DURING HIS VISIT TO LONDON.

         During the visit of Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to London to attend the International Conference of Jurists on Rule of Law and receive the International Jurist Award, he held meetings with the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and also other Justices of the Queen’s Bench Division.

In the meeting with the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, both the Chief Justices discussed the issues and problems faced by the administration of justice, with special reference to strengthening the independence of judiciary. The Chief Justice of Pakistan informed him of the developments in the judicial field with respect to the role played by the Supreme Court in establishing rule of law in society. He also apprised him of the role of Bench and bar in the lawyers movement for independence of judiciary and restoration of Judges and the high expectations the people attach to the Courts, and the efforts of the judiciary to realizing the objective of inexpensive and expeditious dispensation of justice, as mandated by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He also informed him of the wider jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the diverse nature of cases, which are being filed in the Court under the Appellate and Original Jurisdictions, as provided by the Constitution. The two dignitaries also discussed ways and means to attract the best persons of the legal profession to join the Bench. In this regard, the Chief Justice of Pakistan explained to him the new mechanism for induction of judges in the superior judiciary of Pakistan i.e. through the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, which comprises senior judges and key functionaries of the relevant field like Law Minister,  Attorney General for Pakistan and representatives of the Pakistan and Provincial Bar Councils, which makes recommendations to the Parliamentary Committee for appointment and confirmation of judges in the Supreme Court and the High Courts. The Chief Justice of England and Wales explained the new and revised mechanism of induction of Judges to the superior courts as well as the Trial Courts. They further discussed the court procedures in conducting trial and ways and means to expedite the judicial process through reform of law and procedure. In this regard, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales explained to the Chief Justice of Pakistan that England Law of Evidence has been drastically amended to enable the Courts to deal effectively with cases of terrorism. He said that Pakistan can also benefit from the same laws as well as judicial procedure to tackle effectively with the problems of collecting sufficient evidence to secure conviction of criminals involved in crimes of militancy and terrorism. The two leaders also discussed the prospects of judicial exchanges and training of judges to share knowledge and experiences and learn the best practices from each other. The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales also eulogized the services of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and in particular appreciated the stand taken by him, courageously facing the onslaught on judicial independence and maintaining unity amongst the bench and the bar.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry also had a meeting with Rt Hon Lord Justice Gross and the Rt Hon Sir John Thomas, President of the Queen’s Bench Division together with their other colleagues. They discussed the issues of mutual interest and ways and means to improve the administration of justice. The two sides agreed that regular interaction amongst judges is essential for sharing knowledge and experiences to improve the functioning of courts. The President of the Queen’s Bench Division also hosted lunch in honour of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan.