Islamabad, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Athar Minallah, a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, highlighted the critical need for independent-minded judges to ensure judicial independence at a certificate-awarding ceremony at the Federal Judicial Academy. Speaking at the conclusion of a two-week Federal Judicial Education Programme (FJEP), he urged judges to follow the Code of Conduct by Imam Abu Hanifa, suggesting it could revolutionize Pakistan’s judiciary.

According to Press Information Department, Justice Athar Minallah emphasized that judges should not be subordinate to anyone and must strictly adhere to the law. He noted that independent-minded judges are essential for a fair trial and to maintain public trust in the judiciary. He added that judges must be both individually and institutionally independent, stating, “Without independent-minded judges, the independence of judiciary cannot be a reality.”

Justice Athar Minallah also commended the training program’s content, which included topics like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, which he described as the “need of the hour.” He acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Advisor to the Federal Judicial Academy, and his team for their work in expanding the Academy’s reach.

During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to 30 Additional District and Sessions Judges and 30 Senior Civil Judges. Justice Athar Minallah congratulated them and expressed optimism about their future contributions to effective service delivery.

Earlier, the Director General of the Academy, Mr. Hayat Ali Shah, acknowledged resource limitations but commended the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Qazi Faez Isa, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah for achieving several set goals within a short timeframe.