Federal Constitutional Court Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional supremacy, equal access to justice and judicial independence, saying the Constitution must remain the highest priority in the exercise of state authority.
Addressing a ceremony marking the start of the new judicial year in Islamabad, Justice Amin-ud-Din said societal stability was possible only through adherence to the Constitution and stressed that the judiciary must safeguard its supremacy.
Justice Amin-ud-Din described the beginning of the new judicial year as an opportunity to renew the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice.
He said the Federal Constitutional Court was effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities and had delivered verdicts in several significant cases within a relatively short period since its establishment.
The chief justice said the court had inherited a backlog of 25,000 pending cases at the time of its establishment. During a 10-month period, 5,600 new cases were filed while 6,000 cases were decided, he added.
Constitution must remain supreme
Justice Khan said the Constitution must be prioritised above all else whenever authority is exercised. He said the Constitution clearly defines the powers and limitations of state institutions, adding that societal stability can only be achieved by adhering to its provisions.
The chief justice stressed that decisions of the Federal Constitutional Court must be made solely in light of the Constitution. He said it was the judiciary’s duty to protect the Constitution and uphold its supremacy.
Judicial independence a public right
Justice Khan said judicial independence was fundamental to any society but stressed that it should not be viewed as a privilege belonging to judges.
“Judicial independence is not a privilege of judges but a right of the people,” he said.
He added that the authority entrusted to the Federal Constitutional Court must always be exercised with wisdom and restraint, while respecting the separation of powers among state institutions.
Equal access to justice a priority
The chief justice said access to justice was the right of every citizen and that constitutional justice without discrimination must remain a primary priority. He said cases should be scheduled for hearing transparently, stressing the importance of fairness and openness in judicial proceedings.
Justice Khan said the Federal Constitutional Court remained committed to ensuring that justice was provided without discrimination.
He also highlighted the importance of modern technology in judicial affairs, saying technological tools could strengthen institutional capacity and improve transparency across the justice system.
The chief justice stressed that the judiciary needed to make effective use of modern technology as part of efforts to improve its functioning and service delivery.
Court committed to constitutional responsibilities
Justice Khan said the Federal Constitutional Court would continue to discharge its assigned constitutional responsibilities with firm resolve. He noted that the court’s record of deciding several important cases within a short period reflected its efforts to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
The chief justice also said judicial cooperation was being strengthened through foreign visits and other activities, while visits to the Constitutional Court by bar associations and other delegations were also significant.
Bar-bench cooperation to be strengthened
Justice Amin-ud-Din said cooperation between the Bar and the Bench would be further fostered. He said stronger engagement between lawyers and judges was important for the effective functioning of the justice system.
The chief justice also reaffirmed the court’s commitment to strengthening public confidence in the judicial system. He said the Federal Constitutional Court would continue working to uphold constitutional principles, ensure transparent proceedings and reinforce citizens’ trust in justice.
