The International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical mission, currently in Pakistan to assess the judicial framework under the $7 billion agreement, met with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi to discuss judicial reforms aimed at improving governance and accountability.
The IMF’s technical team is conducting a governance and corruption diagnostic assessment (GCDA) to evaluate six key governance-related sectors and institutions, according to the Ministry of Finance. The assessment will offer recommendations for tackling corruption vulnerabilities, enhancing institutional integrity, and supporting Pakistan’s efforts toward transparency, institutional strengthening, and sustainable economic growth.
A press release issued by the Supreme Court on Tuesday detailed the discussion, during which Chief Justice Afridi outlined ongoing judicial reform efforts. Leading the IMF delegation, Joel Turkewitz was briefed on Pakistan’s independent judiciary, with Afridi emphasizing his role in safeguarding judicial autonomy.
The chief justice noted that the judiciary typically does not engage in direct interactions with international missions but agreed to this meeting upon the Finance Division’s request. He also stated that he would be “cautious” in his remarks.
During the discussion, Afridi highlighted constitutional developments related to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), judicial appointments, accountability, and reforms. He emphasized the benefits of integrating judicial and parliamentary oversight to enhance transparency and efficiency in judicial appointments.
The chief justice also mentioned that the Supreme Court is finalizing a key agenda for the upcoming National Judicial Policy-Making Committee (NJPMC) meeting, expected in late February. The meeting will focus on judicial accountability and mechanisms for addressing complaints against judges. Afridi underscored the need for a robust and impartial accountability process to uphold the judiciary’s integrity.
The IMF delegation acknowledged the judiciary’s critical role in maintaining legal and institutional stability and expressed appreciation for ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance. The discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening judicial efficiency and upholding the rule of law as fundamental to economic and social progress.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Chief Justice Afridi presented a souvenir to the IMF delegation as a goodwill gesture.
Judicial Reforms and Investment Protection
Speaking separately to journalists, CJP Afridi provided further insights into his meeting with the IMF team, explaining that discussions covered judicial reforms, judge appointments, and constitutional amendments. He reiterated that the judiciary operates independently under the Constitution and that its role is not to fulfill IMF inquiries beyond its jurisdiction.
He informed the delegation about the NJPMC agenda and clarified that the supervision of subordinate courts is under the jurisdiction of high courts. The IMF team expressed interest in Pakistan’s adherence to legal agreements and property rights, to which Afridi responded that judicial reforms addressing these concerns are underway.
The IMF delegation also shared recommendations regarding property rights protection, and Afridi assured them that their suggestions would be considered. He further mentioned that special benches in high courts would be established to expedite hearings.
Additionally, the IMF team stressed the importance of protecting foreign investments in Pakistan. Afridi responded by highlighting the judiciary’s need for artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency.
CJP Afridi also emphasized the importance of transparency in the IMF delegation’s visit to the Supreme Court, stating that the public has the right to be informed.
He revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sent a letter informing him of the IMF’s concerns. Instead of responding in writing, Afridi conveyed his message through the attorney general, inviting the prime minister to visit the court alongside the IMF delegation.
