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IMF Team Meets CJP Afridi to Discuss Judicial Reforms
IMF's technical team meets Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to discuss judicial reforms and property rights under the $7bn bailout. Talks focus on judicial accountability, investment protection, and autonomy.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-11
IMF Team Meets CJP Afridi to Discuss Judicial Reforms

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) technical team, currently in Pakistan under the $7 billion bailout deal, held a meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Tuesday to discuss judicial reforms, property rights, and governance issues.

The IMF team is conducting a week-long review of the judicial and regulatory framework as part of the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) aimed at addressing governance and corruption vulnerabilities.

Judicial Reforms and Accountability
During the meeting, CJP Afridi provided an overview of the judiciary's ongoing efforts to enhance performance and emphasized its independence. He underscored his responsibility to protect judicial autonomy and highlighted recent constitutional developments, including reforms in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).

The chief justice also elaborated on the merits of integrating the judiciary with parliamentary committees to ensure a transparent judicial selection process.

He revealed plans to finalize a critical agenda for the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee (NJPMC) meeting scheduled for late February.

“Discussions also centered on judicial accountability and mechanisms for addressing complaints against judges,” the Supreme Court's press release stated.

IMF's Recognition of Judicial Reforms
The IMF team acknowledged the judiciary's role in maintaining legal and institutional stability. They appreciated ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing governance and accountability.

“The discussion reaffirmed a shared commitment to judicial efficiency and the rule of law as a foundation for economic and social progress,” the statement added.

Property Rights and Investment Protection
CJP Afridi informed the IMF delegation that efforts were underway to create special benches in high courts for early hearings. He also mentioned suggestions related to the protection of property rights.

The IMF delegation emphasized the importance of safeguarding foreign investments in Pakistan.

Law Minister’s Remarks
Speaking to Geo News, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clarified that such meetings were within the IMF’s usual scope of work. He emphasized that judicial autonomy remained a purely constitutional matter.

Tarar highlighted that international bodies like the IMF and World Bank often engage in discussions regarding the rule of law as part of multilateral arrangements.

Commitment to Rule of Law
Pakistan made a commitment to the IMF in October to strengthen its institutional capacities to combat corruption, support inclusive growth, and provide a level playing field for businesses and investments.

The meeting with CJP Afridi underscores the IMF's focus on governance reforms as a key component of its economic stabilization program in Pakistan.
Tagged:

IMF

RuleOfLaw

PakistanEconomy

JudicialReforms

CJPYahyaAfridi

EconomicGovernance
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