CJP Yahya Afridi, LHC CJ Aalia Neelum launch judicial reforms in Fort Abbas

LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Aalia Neelum visited Fort Abbas, described as the country’s last judicial center, and formally launched a series of judicial reforms.

During the visit, the Chief Justice inaugurated the solarization of court facilities and an e-library project aimed at improving research and ensuring uninterrupted judicial work. The District and Sessions Judge Bahawalnagar also laid the foundation stone for a women’s bar room and inaugurated an additional e-library for the bar.

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi said these initiatives are designed to provide litigants with facilities comparable to those of the Supreme Court and to strengthen court infrastructure through modern technology.

He praised Chief Justice Aalia Neelum’s policies and reforms in Punjab, noting an increase in the case disposal rate across the province. He credited the historic judicial improvements to her leadership.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan stated that projects including solarization, e-libraries, women facilitation centers, and clean drinking water plants will be completed by August 2026.

He also observed court proceedings in a civil judge’s courtroom and appreciated the Punjab government for completing the solarization project at the Fort Abbas Judicial Complex within the stipulated timeframe.

Chief Justice Afridi announced that women facilitation centers will be established in courts during the fiscal year 2026–27 to provide legal, social, and security-related services.

He said the Fort Abbas visit reflects a practical commitment to ensuring access to justice even in the country’s farthest regions.