Islamabad: A delegation from the European Union, led by Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, met with the Chief Justice of Pakistan at the Supreme Court in Islamabad to discuss ongoing judicial reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the country’s justice system.

According to Press Information Department, the EU delegation included key figures such as Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation; Piotr Buszta, Head of Political Section; Sebastien Lorion, Governance and Human Capital Development Expert; and Una Kelly, Development Adviser on Rule of Law. They were joined by Nazia Sheikh from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as officials from the Supreme Court and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.

During the meeting, the Chief Justice highlighted current reform efforts focused on making the justice system more responsive and transparent through citizen-centric and technology-driven interventions. Emphasis was placed on alternative dispute resolution, particularly in commercial and revenue matters, to reduce litigation and boost investor confidence.

The delegation was briefed on the upcoming Gender-Responsive Justice Initiative, which seeks to establish Women Facilitation Centers within judicial complexes to support women litigants. Discussions also covered institutional responses to enforced disappearances and measures to uphold judicial independence.

The EU delegation praised the judiciary’s role in maintaining the rule of law and acknowledged the reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and judicial efficiency. The meeting underscored the mutual commitment to reinforcing rule of law and governance as pillars for sustainable development, with plans for ongoing collaboration between the Supreme Court’s reform agenda and the EU’s initiatives.

As a token of goodwill, the Chief Justice presented a souvenir to the EU delegation, who expressed their appreciation for the productive dialogue and warm hospitality.