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, in Ottawa on Tuesday.
They held a 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, according to a press release received here from Ottawa, Canada.
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 Chief Justice and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah 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, both 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 the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada Zaheer A. Janjua.
The meetings concluded with both the Justices expressing optimism about the future of judicial collaboration between both the countries. They pledged to continue these dialogues and implement the initiatives discussed.
It is highlighted over here that these meetings not only enhance bilateral judicial relations but also contribute to the global dialogue on justice and the rule of law. They provide a platform for mutual learning and the sharing of experiences, which can lead to improvements in the judicial systems of both countries involved.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah also held meetings with Andromache Karakatanis, Justice Karakatsanis Chamber and the Mahmud Jamal, Justice Jamal Chamber.
