Pakistan and Turkiye have strengthened their judicial ties by signing a landmark MoU on judicial cooperation, aiming to enhance collaboration between their top courts. The agreement was signed at the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Islamabad on April 6.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi and Turkiye Constitutional Court President Kadir Özkaya. The MoU marks a significant step in promoting judicial exchanges, joint research, and capacity building between the two countries.
CJP Afridi highlighted that the MoU will provide a forward-looking framework for collaboration, focusing on the exchange of judicial knowledge, comparative constitutional jurisprudence, and institutional linkages. He emphasized that the agreement is not merely symbolic but reflects shared commitment to the rule of law.
Under the agreement, a joint working group of judges from both countries will be established to ensure that cooperation remains active. The initiative also aims to improve the professional development of the judiciary, particularly at the district level.
The MoU encourages joint training programs, academic exchanges, and the integration of modern technology in judicial processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. Such collaboration will allow courts to learn from each other and strengthen their capacity to deliver justice effectively.
CJP Afridi underlined that the MoU reflects the historic and fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye, extending beyond formal diplomacy. He noted that shared challenges like technological change and complex constitutional questions necessitate international judicial engagement.
The Turkiye delegation, visiting from April 6 to 9, is also expected to hold high-level institutional interactions and meetings with key justice sector stakeholders, reinforcing the commitment of both countries to judicial excellence and mutual learning.
