Islamabad: The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP), Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, along with General Secretary Salman Mansoor, held discussions with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, to address issues confronting the legal profession in the effective dispensation of justice at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The meeting resulted in agreements on several key requests from the Bar, including the expedited processing of bail applications and the restoration of chamber hearings for interim applications and stay matters.

According to Press Information Department, the Chief Justice pledged to assign additional judges to chamber appeals to expedite hearings and agreed to process video link applications on the same day as hearings in respective registries. This move aims to facilitate lawyers, reduce delays, and decrease the need for adjournments, especially for those practicing in remote areas. The Chief Justice also outlined plans to revamp the system for providing certified copies through an ongoing digitization initiative to enhance service delivery.

In response to concerns about file tracking and accessibility, particularly for attorneys from distant regions, the Chief Justice suggested that Supreme Court advocates provide designated emails and WhatsApp numbers to expedite online petition filing and the issuance of certified copies and notices. The SCBAP leadership expressed their appreciation for these measures and reiterated their support for efforts to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system. The Chief Justice reaffirmed his commitment to overcoming challenges faced by the legal community and ensuring the smooth administration of justice.