As the 8th judge from Balochistan to ascend to the Supreme Court, Justice Afghan’s appointment symbolizes more than an individual accomplishment. It marks the recognition of the courts potential and opens the door for future generations of legal professionals from Balochistan to contribute at the pinnacle of the legal system. Balochistan, often overshadowed, now sees one of its own taking a prominent position on the highest court of justice in the country. Leaving behind 4538 cases at the principal seat, 498 at the Circuit Bench Sibi, and 309 cases at Circuit Bench Turbat, Justice Afghan’s journey to the highest court in Pakistan is not merely a personal achievement but a beacon of inspiration for legal professionals across Balochistan.

During his tenure as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, Justice Afghan left an indelible mark on the legal landscape. He introduced measures to reduce case pendency, implementing state of the art video link facilities at various circuit benches. Notably, 19 judicial complexes were converted to solar power, with an additional 7 in progress, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and efficient court operations.

The IT section of the Balochistan High Court witnessed an upgrade under Justice Afghan’s leadership, incorporating three server computers and the latest network equipment. The launch of the web portal provided a transparent platform for information on case status, advocates’ profiles, calendars, and judgments, enhancing accessibility for legal practitioners and the public alike.

Justice Afghan’s tenure saw a proactive approach to judicial promotions, with a committee ensuring timely promotions for judicial officers and officials in accordance with the Balochistan Judicial Officers Services Rules 2021. Moreover, the filling of vacant positions in the district judiciary was carried out based on merit, further strengthening the foundation of the judiciary.

A groundbreaking move during Justice Afghan’s term was the appointment of five judges as additional judges in July 2022, a first in the history of Balochistan. After a year, all were confirmed and appointed as judges of the high court, underscoring the commitment to ensuring a robust and diverse judiciary.

In line with Supreme Court directives, Justice Afghan implemented a mediation system, appointing three judicial officers as mediators who successfully resolved 360 cases. Plans for five more courts annexed to mediation centers are underway, emphasizing the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Despite these commendable efforts, challenges persist. The absence of Bars in certain areas hampers the efficient dispensation of justice, creating a bottleneck in the resolution of cases. While courts are functional, the lack of legal representation from other stations on specific days of the week contributes to the accumulation of pending cases. It is imperative for bar associations to establish chambers in all stations where courts are operational, fostering daily legal proceedings for prompt relief to litigants.

The focus must also extend to the expedited disposal of civil cases, complementing the existing efficiency in handling criminal cases throughout the province. The establishment of circuit benches and judicial complexes in various locations, including Basima, Surab, Gandhawa, Kuchlak, Sariab, and Pasni, highlights the commitment to accessibility and convenience for judicial officers.

As Justice Afghan embarks on his journey to the Supreme Court, the Balochistan judiciary faces a transition. Justice Mohammad Hashim Kakar, the senior most judge, assumes a pivotal role in building upon the strong foundation laid by Justice Afghan and his predecessors. The continuity of excellence within the judiciary becomes paramount, ensuring that Justice Afghan’s legacy thrives beyond his tenure.

Justice Afghan brings with him a wealth of experience, legal expertise, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As he takes his place on the Supreme Court bench, there is confidence that his tenure will serve the nation with distinction. His elevation is not only a testament to his personal achievements but also a celebration of the resilience, dedication, and expertise that characterize the Balochistan judiciary.

One of the remarkable initiatives during Justice Afghan’s tenure was making all judgments of the high court available on the web portal for public viewing. Additionally, the introduction of SMS alert facilities for litigants regarding case fixation and disposal demonstrated a commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of the legal community and the public.

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