ISLAMABAD: Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, emphasized the importance of deeper cooperation, exchange of best practices, and sustained dialogue among Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to enhance collaboration and uphold the rule of law. Speaking at the Eleventh Meeting of the Ministers of Justice of the SCO Member States, held virtually and hosted by Kazakhstan, Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s initiatives to modernize its legal system and enhance regional cooperation.
In his address, Tarar expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for organizing the event and welcomed the participating justice ministers. He underscored the meeting’s significance as a reflection of the collective goals and aspirations to foster collaboration and uphold the rule of law within the SCO framework.
Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s view of the SCO as a dynamic platform for building robust regional partnerships. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to cooperation in forensic activities, legal services, and the rule of law. The minister noted the SCO’s unique role in facilitating mutual respect, consensus, and shared goals among member states.
Outlining Pakistan’s key initiatives, Tarar mentioned the development of a comprehensive and accessible online database of Pakistani laws. This initiative aims to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure transparency for both domestic and international users. He also highlighted the establishment of a network of academies across Pakistan, serving as hubs for legal education and training, thus enhancing legal services within the SCO.
Tarar emphasized the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centers and the finalization of the draft bill for the Arbitration Act of 2024. These steps demonstrate Pakistan’s dedication to providing equitable legal recourse for foreign investors. He also showcased the creation of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and several satellite forensic evidence collection units, indicating Pakistan’s progress in forensic science and its willingness to share knowledge with SCO member states.
Further, Tarar highlighted extensive training programs conducted by bar councils across Pakistan, which have trained 13,290 trainees. He mentioned the establishment of the first-ever Directorate of Legal Education to enhance legal education standards and the deployment of a comprehensive Case Flow Management System (CFMS) in 161 Federal Courts and Tribunals across the country.
Tarar stressed for cooperation, exchange of best practices, and sustained dialogue among SCO member states. He expressed confidence that with collective efforts the justice systems will be strengthened resulting in better economic ties within the region. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continuous support for achieving the objectives of the SCO in law and justice and thanked Kazakhstan’s Minister of Justice, Azamat Nesipbayevich Yeskaraev, for hosting the meeting.
