ISLAMABAD : The Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on judicial cooperation between the two countries.
Türkiye Court President Kadir Özkaya and Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi signed the MoU and exchanged notes at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court.
A high-level delegation from the Constitutional Court of Türkiye is visiting Pakistan. Apart from its president, the Turkish judicial delegation includes judges and senior officials. The delegation, visiting Pakistan as state guests, was received by the Chief Justice.
Present at the ceremony were the Chief Justice and judges of the Federal Constitutional Court, the Chief Justices of all High Courts of Pakistan, including those of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the Federal Minister for Law and Justice, the Attorney General for Pakistan, senior government officials, members of the district judiciary and representatives of the legal fraternity.
In his remarks, President Kadir Özkaya expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation and emphasised the importance of sustained judicial dialogue, knowledge exchange, and institutional collaboration between the two countries.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Justice of Pakistan underscored the significance of strengthening institutional linkages between the judiciaries of Pakistan and Türkiye. He noted that such engagements play a vital role in enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in the administration of justice.
The MoU establishes a structured and forward-looking framework for cooperation, encompassing judicial exchange, capacity building, professional training and the sharing of best practices in adjudication and judicial administration.
A key focus of the collaboration is the professional development of the judiciary, particularly at the district level, through joint training programmes, academic exchanges and exposure to comparative judicial systems.
The agreement also envisages enhanced cooperation in the adoption of modern technologies in judicial processes, including digitalisation and e-courts, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and access to justice.
It further provides for joint research initiatives, exchange of legal knowledge and jurisprudence and sustained institutional engagement through coordinated mechanisms, including the establishment of a Joint Working Group for effective implementation.
As a symbolic gesture of enduring friendship and shared commitment, the delegation planted a sapling within the premises of the Supreme Court.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said the centuries-old brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye are rapidly moving towards a comprehensive economic partnership.
He was talking to a delegation of the Constitutional Court of Turkiye led by President of the Constitutional Court Kadir Ozkaya, which called on him in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Turkiye can benefit from each other’s experiences to ensure citizens’ access to justice. He said the MoU signed in this regard during the recent visit of the Turkish delegation is the first step towards this goal.
Shehbaz Sharif said there is vast potential for exchange of experiences between the two countries in the use of digital technology for speedy dispensation of justice.
He said Pakistan and Turkiye can also benefit from each other’s experiences in the areas of climate change, counter-terrorism, laws in immigration and other departments and their implementation.
In his remarks, President of the Turkish Constitutional Court, Kadir Ozkaya, expressed gratitude for exemplary hospitality in Pakistan saying that love for Pakistan is in the veins of every Turk national.
He said the Constitutional Court of Turkiye is sixty-four years old and is ready to start a pilot project with Pakistan to share its vast experience.
The meeting was also attended by the distinguished judges of the Constitutional Court of Turkiye Ridvan Gulec and Mr. Recai Akyel and Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Naziroglu.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, Minister of State Barrister Aqeel Malik and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi were also present in the meeting.
