Government Unveils Major Reforms for Legal Fraternity
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving legal education, strengthening professional training for lawyers, and ensuring effective administration of justice. Speaking at the inauguration of the Lawyers Education Academy at the Punjab Bar Council and a certificate distribution ceremony for the Bar Vocational Course, Tarar outlined several key initiatives.
Health Insurance Scheme for Lawyers
Tarar announced that work is underway to introduce a comprehensive health insurance policy for lawyers and their families. The proposed scheme will cover treatment for cancer, kidney, liver, and heart diseases at both public and private hospitals. He emphasized that the federal and Punjab governments are extending full support to the welfare of the legal fraternity.
Financial Support and Reforms
The minister disclosed that the Punjab government has released Rs1.35 billion in grants for bar associations and announced an additional Rs20 million for the Bar Vocational Course. He highlighted the establishment of the Directorate of Legal Education at the Pakistan Bar Council as a major reform to modernize legal education. Tarar described the legal profession as a sacred responsibility and urged lawyers to strengthen their institutions and resolve disputes through institutional forums.
Judicial Appointments and Performance Evaluation
On judicial reforms, Tarar said a seven-member committee has been constituted to ensure transparency and merit in the appointment of high court judges. The committee will interview candidates and submit recommendations to the Judicial Commission. He questioned why high court judges should not undergo interviews when civil judges and additional sessions judges are required to pass examinations, stressing that judicial appointments must be based strictly on merit.
For the first time, the government is introducing a constitutional mechanism for annual evaluation of judges' performance through a Judges Evaluation Committee. Under the proposed system, the committee will review judges' performance at the end of each year. If a judge's performance is found unsatisfactory, the committee may send a reference to the Judicial Commission and recommend removal.
Constitutional Amendments
Commenting on constitutional reforms, Tarar said the 28th Constitutional Amendment will not be introduced in haste. He stated that whenever the amendment is introduced, it will only be after broad consultation. He noted that the legal fraternity, including the Supreme Court Bar Association and other bar councils, supported the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments.
Punjab Bar Council Announcements
Punjab Bar Council Executive Committee Chairman Fakhar Hayat Awan said the Bar Vocational Course has been mandatory since 2018. He announced that the Punjab Bar Council will no longer issue licenses without verification of law degrees by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Awan also announced that the Bar's Benevolent Fund has been increased from Rs300,000 to Rs600,000, pledging no compromise on the rights and welfare of lawyers.
The ceremony was attended by Judicial Commission member Ahsan Bhoon, Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti, Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Khawaja Qaiser Butt, senior office-bearers, and a large number of lawyers.
