Adv M Waseem Abro
Judicial modernization, judicial services and smart infrastructure have become central to global discussions and Pakistan is no exception. Today, e-justice and e-courts are widely debated among stakeholders in the country’s justice system. A consultative workshop on the “National E-Court Reform Agenda: Requirements and Challenges” was held at the Federal Judicial Academy in December 2025, where Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, emphasized his commitment to innovation and inclusivity, aiming to create a citizen-centric and equitable justice system.
Expeditious and affordable justice is a principle enshrined in the Constitution under Article 37(d), which mandates the state to ensure “inexpensive and expeditious social and economic justice.” However, systemic delays have hindered the realization of this ideal, undermining public trust and the foundational promise of fair and timely resolution.
Living in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, AI technologies have fundamentally transformed work, communication and interaction. E-courts are digital judicial systems that leverage technology to make court services more accessible, efficient and transparent. They automate case management, document filing and judicial proceedings, reducing the need for physical paperwork and in-person appearances.
Globally, countries like Singapore, Estonia, the United Kingdom and Australia have implemented integrated platforms for electronic filing, virtual hearings and comprehensive case management, enhancing efficiency, transparency and access to justice. Leaders in digital justice, including Malaysia, Estonia, Finland, Portugal and Spain, have modernized judicial systems to varying degrees. For example, Malaysia has a fully functional e-court system with video conferencing, portals for advocates and digital recording. India’s e-Courts project aims for a paperless system, including e-summons notifications. Many European nations facilitate remote questioning of witnesses and accept e-filing, while the Philippines uses digital signatures for verification and case management.
According to the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), 46 out of 47 Council of Europe member states have implemented e-court systems. Of these, 34 countries accept e-filing in civil cases, 44 have developed Unified Judicial Portals and 40 allow remote questioning of accused persons and witnesses. These systems collectively improve efficiency, reduce backlogs and make justice more affordable and accessible.
In Pakistan, the adoption of e-courts could significantly improve efficiency, reduce delays and expand access to justice. Yet challenges remain, including the digital divide, poor data quality, cybersecurity concerns, technical glitches and the need for proper capacity building and policy frameworks. Addressing these issues is crucial for the effective implementation of e-courts, AI technologies and online legal platforms.
It is encouraging that Pakistan’s legal fraternity is gradually adapting to these changes, using digital platforms for court proceedings and client communication while maintaining traditional networks through bar associations. However, proper legislation is essential to ensure effective implementation and to build a citizen-centric judiciary that fulfils the promise of timely and equitable justice.
—The writer is a lawyer, based in Islamabad
