The inauguration of the E-filing system at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal by Honourable Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, marks a significant advancement in the province’s judicial landscape. This move reflects a progressive step towards embracing digitalization to enhance access to justice, judicial efficiency, and transparency.
Inauguration and Attendees
The event, held on September 16, 2024, was graced by various dignitaries, including:
- Honourable Senior Puisne Judge: Justice Ijaz Anwar
- Registrar Peshawar High Court: Barrister Ikhtiar Khan
- Additional Registrar Admin: Mamrez Khan Khalil
- Principal Staff Officer: Ahmad Iftekhar
- Chairman and Members of the Tribunal
- Ex-cadre Judges
- District and Sessions Judge Peshawar
- Inspector General of Police
- Secretaries of Establishment, Law, and Home
- Law Officers and Lawyers
The Significance of the E-Filing System
During his address, Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim highlighted the importance of the E-court and E-filing system, emphasizing its role in improving access to justice. He noted that the new system is expected to facilitate a more streamlined process for filing and managing cases, ultimately leading to more timely and effective judicial outcomes.
Chairman Kalim Arshad Khan echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to the Chief Justice and reaffirming the Tribunal’s commitment to utilizing technology to ensure swift and fair justice. He stated that the implementation of the E-filing system signifies a crucial step toward enhancing the judiciary’s efficiency and transparency.
Inspection and Future Development Plans
Following the inauguration, Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and other dignitaries visited various branches of the Tribunal, where they inspected the optimal use of available space. The delegation received a briefing on future development plans, which include:
- Allocation of Adjacent Land: The provincial government has allocated adjacent land for the construction of a dedicated Tribunal building.
- Funding for Construction: A sum of Rs. 199 million from a non-Annual Development Programme (non-ADP) scheme has been allocated for this purpose.
Chairman Kalim Arshad Khan expressed his gratitude to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for their support. He noted that these initiatives will greatly contribute to the Tribunal’s ability to meet its objectives effectively.
Impact on Judicial Efficiency and Access to Justice
The introduction of the E-filing system is anticipated to bring about several benefits:
- Enhanced Judicial Efficiency: By digitizing the filing process, the system is expected to reduce delays and streamline case management, resulting in faster adjudication of cases.
- Increased Transparency: The digital system will provide a more transparent record of filings and case proceedings, allowing for better oversight and accountability.
- Improved Access to Justice: Citizens will have greater access to the Tribunal through an online platform, reducing the need for physical presence and making it easier to file and track cases.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the E-filing system at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal represents a pivotal move towards modernizing the judiciary in the province. It underscores the commitment of the judiciary and the provincial government to leverage technology in delivering justice more efficiently and transparently. As this system becomes operational, it is expected to enhance the overall functionality of the judiciary and facilitate a more accessible and responsive legal framework for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa