Islamabad, March 10, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice met under the chairmanship of Farooq H. Naek to review issues related to judicial infrastructure, facilities for the legal fraternity, and the operational framework of the Federal Constitutional Court.
At the outset, the committee was informed that the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) could not attend the meeting due to prior engagements. Deputy Chairman NAB Sohail Nasir conveyed the chairman’s unavailability to the committee. The Ministry of Law and Justice also informed members that the Federal Minister for Law and Justice could not attend the session. Consequently, the agenda item relating to NAB was deferred.
The committee reviewed budgetary proposals under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2026–27. Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice briefed members on ongoing and proposed development projects, including the construction of a new High Court Bar Complex aimed at providing modern facilities for members of the legal community.
Chairman Senator Farooq H. Naek acknowledged the quality of facilities in the newly constructed complex, particularly praising the development of its cafeteria. However, he expressed serious concern over the lack of essential amenities at the Federal Constitutional Court, noting the absence of basic facilities such as a canteen, bar room, and adequate washrooms.
He emphasized that while aesthetic aspects of infrastructure often receive attention, equal importance must be given to operational facilities necessary for the effective functioning of judicial institutions. In this context, he stressed that infrastructure development should not be limited to attractive buildings or minimal installations, but should ensure comprehensive and functional facilities.
Senator Naek also raised maintenance concerns regarding the Islamabad High Court building, pointing out that although two lifts had been installed in the new structure, one of them was currently non-functional. The Law Ministry secretary explained that once construction is completed, administrative control of such facilities is handed over to the respective court administration.
During the meeting, Kamran Murtaza highlighted the deteriorating condition of infrastructure, particularly bathrooms, at the Federal Service Tribunal. The ministry assured the committee that the matter would be taken up with the registrar of the tribunal.
The committee also appreciated several archiving and digitization initiatives undertaken by the Law Ministry, including the Pakistan Code and the DRIS website, which provide access to authenticated and updated laws and amendments.
The meeting was attended by senators Shahadat Awan, Kamran Murtaza, and Mohammad Abdul Qadir.
