JUDICIAL DELAY IN PAKISTAN: STRUCTURAL INEFFICIENCIES, POLITICAL INTERFERENCE, AND THE IMPERATIVE FOR SYSTEMIC REFORM

Abstract

Reasons that have caused delayed justice in the Pakistani legal system are overcrowded courts, inefficiency in the process, as well as political interference with the courts that drains the courts of their independence. The protracted nature of the process of case resolution subjects litigants to immense suffering, deteriorates trust within the population, and undermines the rule of law. Political wrangles in the legal system also cause delays and affect the stability and justice of the legal system. These concerns indicate that the solution to the problem of the case backlog, lack of resources, and biases in the Pakistani society would require a comprehensive judicial reform process so as to bring back justice and efficiency in the affairs of the Pakistani courts. Lack of such reforms will also perpetuate delays in accessing justice and protecting rights, to the detriment of individuals and society. This research provides an overview of fundamental reasons and effects of delayed justice in the Pakistani legal system, and the importance of bringing reforms to the judicial system to make it function.