Islamabad: Pakistan and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a new era of bilateral judicial cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the MoU was signed between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, and the Chief Justice of China's Supreme People's Court signed the document, marking a historic step in strengthening judicial collaboration between the two nations.
The statement said the MoU reflects both sides' commitment to enhancing institutional linkages, capacity building, and scholarly exchanges. The Supreme Court acknowledged the commendable role played by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Government of Pakistan in facilitating this important milestone.
The cooperation aims to promote mutual understanding of judicial systems and facilitate collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybercrime, financial crimes, climate change, international trade law, commercial dispute resolution, and alternative dispute mechanisms. The initiative also includes judicial visits, training programs, seminars, and academic exchanges to improve judicial efficiency and institutional performance.
Recognizing the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the MoU underscores the need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms to support these frameworks. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in international judicial assistance, enforcement of court judgments, and engagement within multilateral legal frameworks to promote the rule of law and global judicial harmony.
Under the MoU, the two courts will share significant judicial decisions, conduct joint research on emerging global legal challenges, and establish a coordination mechanism between the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Director-General of the International Cooperation Department of China's Supreme People's Court.
The statement added that this MoU symbolizes a strong mutual commitment to deepening judicial collaboration, integrating modern technology, and advancing digital transformation within the judicial systems of both countries. It reflects a shared vision for strengthening the rule of law, promoting effective dispute resolution, and aligning judicial practices with international standards.