Washington D.C: Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh welcomed a high-level delegation of senior Pakistani judges led by Honorable Justice Shahid Waheed of the Supreme Court of Pakistan at the Pakistan Embassy today. The visit, part of a broader effort to enhance legal exchanges and cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, also included notable figures such as Mrs. Martina Polášek, Secretary General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) at the World Bank.
According to Embassy of Pakistan – Washington D.C announcement issued on 01 September 2024, the delegation is in the United States to engage with American counterparts focusing on sharing knowledge and expertise to strengthen the dispute settlement environment, improve contract enforcement, reduce court backlog, and ensure efficient access to justice in Pakistan. The delegation comprises justices from the high courts of Lahore, Sindh, Peshawar, and Islamabad, along with judges of the district judiciary and the Additional Attorney General. Members of the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the U.S. Department of Commerce also accompanied the group.
During the reception, Ambassador Sheikh highlighted the importance of such high-level exchanges in bolstering Pak-US relations and enhancing legal and judicial capacities in Pakistan. He emphasized the upward trajectory of bilateral ties and the critical role of government-to-government cooperation in facilitating legal reforms and better service delivery in the justice sector.
Justice Shahid Waheed remarked on the significance of the visit, describing it as a “journey of hope and dream” aimed at realizing an efficient and speedy justice system in Pakistan. He reiterated the commitment of Pakistan’s legal fraternity to achieving these goals.
Mrs. Martina Polášek expressed optimism that the visit would foster knowledge sharing and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in legal frameworks and judicial cooperation.
Ambassador Sheikh concluded the event by extending his best wishes for a successful and productive dialogue and exchange during the delegation’s visit to the United States.