‘Burden of pending cases needs to be lightened, lawyers come prepared’: CJP Bandial

Justice Umar Ata Bandial after being sworn in as the 28th Chief Justice of Pakistan, in an oath-taking ceremony at the Presidential Palace, made his first appearance in a courtroom as the CJP and conversed with lawyers.

“We need to lighten the burden of pending cases. Lawyers should come prepared and avoid seeking extensions,” he said.

The lawyers welcomed and congratulated the newly appointed top judge.

At this, Justice Bandial thanked them and said it was a pleasure for him to be with them.

A day earlier, Justice Bandial while speaking at a full-court reference held in honour of the outgoing chief justice, criticised mainstream and social media alike for resorting to attacking judges rather than criticising their judgements.

“The differences in judges’ opinions in matters of law arise from our individual perceptions and this diversity brings richness to our understanding,” said Justice Bandial.

Justice Bandial will continue as the chief justice till his retirement on September 18, 2023.