E-justice in Pakistan at a crossroads: Challenges, comparative lessons, and pathways for digital judicial reform

Abstract

The e-justice or digital justice is a transformation of law-making system. Technology, government intervention, and judicial reform are the factors affecting the future of e-justice in Pakistan. Court automation started in the first decade of the 21st century, but advancement is slow because of the industry structure, lack of funding, and training. By 2024, few of the courts will be completely digitalized. But developed nations such as the UK and Estonia are already at the forefront of the adoption of AI and online dispute resolution in their judicial systems, while other developing nations such as India and Brazil are also accelerating the adoption of e-justice systems after COVID-19. The current challenges, best practices from other countries, and the steps to be taken to ensure the future of e-justice in Pakistan will be discussed in the paper.