ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Friday highlighted his plan to integrate artificial intelligence into the country’s judicial system, saying it could significantly improve the performance of courts while stressing that its adoption must be guided by an ethical framework to ensure responsible use.

Globally, countries are experimenting with AI to improve legal efficiency, with Chinese courts using the technology for evidence analysis and verdict drafting, while the US judiciary deploying it for legal research and risk assessments.

Speaking at a symposium to mark the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing, the chief justice said the judiciary was committed to embracing innovation but not at the cost of fairness or transparency.

Justice Afridi said the National Judicial Automation Committee, chaired by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and comprising judges from the high courts, had been tasked with preparing and recommending ethical guidelines for the use of AI in Pakistan’s judiciary.

“We hope that this initiative, along with the willingness of our judiciary to use AI, will enable us to integrate AI into our processes safely and allow us to make our justice delivery system more efficient, transparent and, above all, citizen-centric,” he said.

While acknowledging the immense potential of AI to improve judicial efficiency, Justice Afridi warned its integration must not be “blind or uncritical,” stressing the need for thoughtful deliberation on the complex ethical concerns it raises.

International experts have also warned that opaque algorithms, AI-generated recommendations and the replacement of human judgment in nuanced cases could undermine judicial impartiality and public trust.

The chief justice’s address also outlined a broader judicial reform agenda focused on improving institutional support, promoting fairness and enhancing the wellbeing of judges, particularly at the district level.

He expressed pride in the district judiciary and pledged to continue reforms that protect their dignity, provide necessary resources and help them deliver justice more effectively.

“It is my firm resolve as the Chief Justice of Pakistan to support you through reforms that protect your wellbeing, affirm your dignity and provide the resources you need to perform your best,” he told the gathering.

He added that a judge who is institutionally supported is better equipped to be “fair, focused and effectively responsive.”