The EU delegation commends judicial reforms and actions pertaining to the rule of law.

A European Union (EU) delegation, headed by Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, met with Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday to discuss judicial reforms, the rule of law, gender-responsive justice, and institutional stability.

The visiting delegation comprised Head of Cooperation Jeroen Willems, Head of Political Section Piotr Buszta, Governance and Human Capital Development Expert Sebastien Lorion, and Development Adviser (Rule of Law) Una Kelly. The conference was attended by Nazia Sheikh, Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with senior officials from the Supreme Court and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, according to a news release from the Supreme Court.

In the discussion, the chief justice informed the group about current judicial reform initiatives designed to enhance institutional performance via citizen-focused and technology-driven strategies. He emphasized measures implemented to enhance the transparency, accessibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the justice system for litigants.

The chief justice apprised the delegation on measures advancing alternative dispute resolution procedures, especially in commercial and high-stakes revenue issues, to diminish litigation and bolster investor confidence.

The delegation received additional information regarding the Gender-Responsive Justice Initiative (GRJI) 2026-27, which proposed the creation of Women Facilitation Centers in judicial complexes nationwide to offer secure and accessible support services for women litigants.

The discourse also addressed institutional processes concerning enforced disappearances and methods to protect judicial independence within the constitutional framework. The EU delegation commended the judiciary’s initiatives to enhance openness, accountability, judicial efficiency, and technology-driven governance. The delegation specifically endorsed measures pertaining to mediation, arbitration, gender-responsive justice, and citizen-centric service delivery.

Both parties reiterated their dedication to advancing the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, enhancing judicial efficiency, and fostering inclusive governance as vital for sustained economic and social growth. They also concurred to maintain collaboration under the Supreme Court’s reform initiative and the European Union’s forthcoming programs related to the rule of law, jail assistance, and commercial dispute resolution.

At the meeting’s conclusion, the chief justice bestowed a keepsake upon the delegation as a gesture of goodwill.