Pakistan Bar association commends initiatives undertaken by India's Supreme Court

Pakistan's Supreme Bar Body commended initiatives by the Supreme Court of India such as e-filing, judgments in local languages, the development of e-courts and various welfare schemes for lawyers.

In a letter dated October 5, 2023, Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir, Secretary, Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) stated that the SCBAP would like to visit as well as invite SCBAI so as to acquaint themselves with the initiatives undertaken by Supreme Court of India and to reciprocate by sharing our own experiences and practices.

"We believe that fostering interactions between our legal communities can significantly contribute to improving bilateral relations between our countries," stated SCBAP Secretary Shabbir.

In the letter addressed to SCBAI president Adish Aggarwala, Pakistan's Bar Body on behalf of Barrister Abid S Zuberi, President of the 25th Executive Committee of the SCBAP, extended wishes on his resounding victory as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of India.

"SCBAP commends the initiatives undertaken by the Supreme Court of India, such as E- filing, judgments in local languages, the development of E-Courts, and various welfare schemes for lawyers," the letter stated.

Pakistan's SCBA further stated, "Similar initiatives have also been introduced by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, including the availability of video link facilities, cause lists on our website, and numerous other measures aimed at enhancing the ease of access for lawyers."

Recently, in a bid to enhance cordial ties with India, the Pakistan Bar Council has also invited a cricket team of lawyers, both men and women, from India to visit the neighbouring during October this year for a match in Pakistan followed by another in India.

"During this visit, the exchange of views and experience will help both sides to understand the legal system of India and Pakistan. This initiative will increase our legal acumen and knowledge," the letter read.

It further said that the move will also strengthen the relationship between bar councils of both neighbouring countries.

"It will also foster cooperation in the field of law and through such visits, we can collectively work to bring a harmonious environment between the two countries. Your visit will bring prosperity and progress between the legal fraternity of both countries," the letter added.

Earlier, Aggarwala, former Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council of India said that the initiative is being taken to enhance the harmony and cordial relations between lawyers of both countries.

"We have received this invitation from the Pakistan Bar Council. It will be a good start as the relationship between both the countries improving positively and visiting each other's countries, lawyers will gain experience and this will promote the brotherhood between both the countries," he said.

Aggarwala added, "For India and Pakistan, cricket is not just a game, it is a highly emotional issue and this proposed tournament will bring back special memories for both cricket-loving lawyers of both nations."

He noted that the cricket matches between India and Pakistan have the potential to promote harmony and improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

"Cricket is an incredibly popular sport in both India and Pakistan, and matches between the two teams often generate significant excitement and enthusiasm among fans. Sports, including cricket, have the unique ability to transcend political boundaries and bring people together. When India and Pakistan play against each other, it provides an opportunity for fans from both sides to engage in healthy competition, enjoy the game, and appreciate each other's skills and talent. It can create a shared experience that bridges the gap between the two nations," he said. (ANI)