ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen judicial cooperation.
The MoU was formally signed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, and President of the Constitutional Court of Turkiye, Kadir Ozkaya, at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court, a press release issued by the Press Information Department said.
Judges of Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court, Chief Justices of all High Courts of Pakistan—including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, the Chief Justice highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional linkages between the judiciaries of Pakistan and Turkiye, noting that such cooperation enhances efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in the delivery of justice.
In his remarks, Kadir Ozkaya expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and stressed the need for continued judicial dialogue, exchange of expertise, and closer institutional collaboration between the two countries.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including judicial exchanges, capacity building, professional training, and sharing best practices in adjudication and court administration.
A key priority is the professional development of the judiciary—particularly at the district level—through joint training initiatives, academic collaboration, and exposure to comparative legal systems.
The agreement also emphasises the adoption of modern technologies in judicial processes, such as digitalisation and e-courts, to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to justice.
It further envisions joint research, exchange of legal knowledge and jurisprudence, and sustained institutional coordination through mechanisms like a Joint Working Group to ensure effective implementation.
This landmark initiative underscores the shared resolve of both countries to deepen judicial cooperation, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen institutional capacity through meaningful and sustained engagement.
As a symbolic gesture of enduring friendship and shared commitment, the Turkish delegation planted a sapling at the premises of the Supreme Court, reflecting the strong ties between Pakistan and Türkiye and their mutual focus on sustainability and long-term institutional partnership.
