Senior Puisne Justice of the Supreme court of Pakistan Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah called on the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Richard Wagner on Tuesday in Ottawa.
They held a landmark meeting to discuss judicial collaboration, enhance mutual understanding, and explore opportunities for sharing best practices between their respective judicial systems, and avenues for the strengthening of bilateral relations. This meeting marks a significant step towards fostering greater collaboration between the judicial branches of the two countries. Stéphanie Bachand, Executive Legal Officer and Chief of Staff of Chambers of Chief Justice were also present on this occasion.
The Justices underscored the importance of continuous judicial education and training. They agreed to initiate exchange programs for judges and judicial officers, aimed at sharing knowledge and expertise in areas such as case management, development of curriculum modules, digitalization of courts, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Both parties recognized the growing role of technology in the judiciary. They explored the potential for collaboration between the Federal Judicial Academy of Pakistan and National Judicial Institute of Canada in developing and implementing advanced judicial technologies, including electronic filing systems, virtual courtrooms, and AI-driven legal research tools.
Emphasizing the significance of judicial independence and ethics, the Justices exchanged views on best practices for maintaining impartiality and integrity within their judicial systems. They agreed to organize joint seminars and workshops to further this cause. These initiatives aim to build a deeper understanding of each other’s legal systems and foster goodwill between the two nations, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah further added while visiting the National Judicial Institute (NJI). “This meeting signifies a new chapter in our judicial relationship. By working together, we can enhance the efficiency and fairness of our judicial systems for the benefit of our citizens”, said by the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada Zaheer A. Janjua.
