Quetta: The Registrar of the High Court of Balochistan on Tuesday briefed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Khan Afridi; Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan; and Chief Justice of the High Court of Balochistan, Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail, on the establishment of e-Courts across Balochistan. The briefing, held at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Branch Registry Quetta, highlighted an important milestone in improving access to justice through the effective use of technology.
Judges and members of the legal fraternity from different parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Ziarat, Gwadar, Chaman, Turbat, Nasirabad and districts of the Makran region, also participated through video link.
The e-Courts have been established to facilitate advocates and litigants in pursuing their cases remotely from their respective districts through video-link facilities. Considering the vast geographical spread of Balochistan, the considerable distances between various districts and Quetta, and the challenges arising from difficult terrain, road conditions and the law-and-order situation in certain areas, the initiative will substantially reduce the need for litigants and lawyers to undertake long and costly journeys to Quetta. It will also contribute towards the timely hearing of cases and make the justice system more accessible, efficient and responsive.
The briefing was informed that the necessary video-link equipment had been installed in districts and locations including Chaman, Khanozai, Muslim Bagh, Pishin, Zhob, Duki, Killa Saifullah, Dera Allah Yar, Dera Murad Jamali, Gwadar, Rakhni in Barkhan, Kohlu, Khuzdar, Turbat, Sibi, Loralai and Quetta.
Installation at the remaining locations, including Ziarat, Harnai, Mastung, Kalat, Bela, Hub, Nushki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Panjgur, Sariab, Besima, Killa Abdullah, Dhadar, Dera Bugti and Musa Khel, is presently underway. Delivery of the equipment was delayed due to transportation difficulties and road blockades; however, the logistical process is expected to be completed during the current week.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan appreciated the initiative and observed that technology should be effectively harnessed to overcome geographical barriers and bring the justice system closer to the people, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The establishment of e-Courts represents a significant step towards ensuring affordable, timely and convenient access to justice throughout Balochistan.