On February 13, the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, unveiled new gender-responsive and child-friendly facilities at the Family Courts Complex and the District Judicial Complex in G-11, Islamabad. The initiative aimed at enhancing the judicial environment for women and children. This event took place on National Women’s Day, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to accessible and inclusive justice.

The Chief Justice was accompanied by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas. They were welcomed by the District and Sessions Judges from Islamabad West and East, Nasir Javed Rana and Muhammad Yar Gondal, respectively, along with Advocate Naeem Ali Gujjar, the President of the Islamabad Bar Association, and other members of the bar cabinet.

At the Family Courts Complex, Justice Dogar inaugurated facilities designed to support women and children involved in legal proceedings. These include a child visitation area for custody matters, a dedicated waiting area for female litigants, child infant care rooms, and a women help desk to provide legal guidance and assistance to female litigants. Enhanced signage and way-finding systems were also introduced to improve navigation within the premises.

Furthermore, a reconciliation room was established to facilitate the amicable resolution of family disputes in a private and respectful setting, promoting alternative dispute resolution methods.

Subsequently, at the District Judicial Complex, the Chief Justice inaugurated a similar waiting area for female litigants and a water filtration plant to ensure the provision of safe drinking water for all visitors and staff. Additionally, an E-Filing System was launched, allowing litigants to submit their cases electronically, marking a step forward in the digitalization of the justice system.

During his address, Justice Dogar commended the district judiciary for their efforts in enhancing court infrastructure and integrating gender-sensitive and technological reforms. He reiterated the judiciary’s dedication to ensuring justice is accessible, inclusive, and efficient, particularly for the more vulnerable members of society.

The newly inaugurated facilities and systems reflect the ongoing efforts to modernize courts and improve service delivery, aligning with the broader vision set by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the policies outlined by the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC).

Justice Dogar emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and dignified environment for women and children within the judicial system, highlighting its role in fostering public trust and ensuring the fair and timely resolution of disputes.