ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan held a full court reference on the occasion of Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail's retirement, attended by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Supreme Court judges, Attorney General for Pakistan, representatives of the legal fraternity, senior law officers, and office-bearers of the Pakistan Bar Council and Supreme Court Bar Association.

Addressing the reference, the Chief Justice of Pakistan paid tribute to Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail for his distinguished judicial career and contributions to the country's justice system.

The Chief Justice highlighted Justice Mandokhail's professional journey from the legal fraternity in Balochistan to the Supreme Court, acknowledging his contributions to constitutional law, judicial administration, and institutional development.

He also appreciated Justice Mandokhail's role as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, particularly his efforts to strengthen the district judiciary and improve judicial infrastructure. His guidance and cooperation at the Supreme Court were also recognised for promoting mutual understanding and coordination among judges.

Emphasising the relationship between the judiciary and the legal community, the Chief Justice said that the Bench and Bar are essential pillars of the justice system. Maintaining mutual respect, coordination, and constructive engagement between the two is vital.

He further highlighted the importance of transparency, consistency, and accountability in judicial administration, stating that comprehensive standard procedures had been introduced to improve institutional functioning.

The Chief Justice reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring access to justice for everyone, stressing that financial difficulties should not prevent any citizen from obtaining legal representation. He also reiterated the commitment to expanding free legal assistance at different levels.

In his address, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail said that judicial independence was not a privilege of judges but a constitutional guarantee for protecting the rights of the people.

He observed that the judicial oath requires impartiality, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the law. Judges, he said, must deliver decisions in accordance with the law without fear, favour, or external pressure.

Justice Mandokhail emphasised that protecting judicial independence and fundamental rights was a shared responsibility of Parliament, the executive, the judiciary, and the legal fraternity.

Reflecting on his judicial career, he said that he had always prioritised the Constitution, legal principles, and evidence while deciding cases. He described fair trials and equal treatment of all litigants as fundamental requirements of justice.

He also underlined the importance of an independent Bar in upholding the rule of law and stressed the need for responsible media reporting and mutual respect among state institutions.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail expressed gratitude to his family, fellow judges, lawyers, and court staff for their support throughout his professional career. He reaffirmed his commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution and the promotion of justice.

Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan also paid tribute to Justice Mandokhail, acknowledging his contributions to the judiciary.

Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Syed Amjad Shah also praised his judicial services.

The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association appreciated the ongoing judicial reforms, particularly the digitisation of court records, e-filing facilities, and the provision of electronically certified copies.

He also welcomed improvements in case scheduling and public facilitation, including the establishment of the 1818 Legal Call Centre and the Court-Annexed Mediation Centre.

He stressed that effective case management, timely hearings, and eliminating unnecessary delays in the disposal of cases were essential for improving the justice system.

The Supreme Court Bar Association assured its full cooperation in judicial reforms and efforts to ensure timely decisions in pending cases.

The speakers emphasised that the ultimate objective of judicial reforms should be to make the justice system more effective, accessible, transparent, and responsive to public needs.