The International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical team, currently in Pakistan for a review of the judicial and regulatory framework under the $7 billion bailout deal, met with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Tuesday to discuss program implementation and property rights.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clarified that such meetings are a standard part of the IMF and World Bank’s activities.
The IMF delegation is visiting Pakistan for a week-long review of the judicial and regulatory system as part of the ongoing $7bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) aimed at addressing governance and corruption vulnerabilities. The team is set to assess six key governance sectors and institutions, according to a Ministry of Finance statement.
A press release from the Supreme Court noted that the CJP provided an overview of “ongoing efforts to enhance judicial performance.” He further emphasized the judiciary’s independence, stating that as the head of the institution, it is his duty to protect that independence. CJP Afridi also mentioned that the judiciary was not accustomed to direct interactions with IMF missions and would be “quite guarded” in his comments.
He went on to discuss key constitutional developments, including reforms related to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, judicial accountability, and the restructuring of the JCP. CJP Afridi also highlighted the importance of integrating the judiciary and parliamentary committees to ensure a more transparent judicial selection process.
Furthermore, he informed the delegation that the Supreme Court was in the process of finalizing a crucial agenda for the upcoming National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) meeting, scheduled for the last week of February. Discussions also centered around judicial accountability and the mechanisms for addressing complaints against judges. CJP Afridi stressed the need for a robust and fair accountability process to maintain the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
The IMF team recognized the judiciary’s vital role in ensuring legal and institutional stability, expressing appreciation for ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing governance and accountability. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to improving judicial efficiency and upholding the rule of law as essential for economic and social progress.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, CJP Yahya Afridi revealed that the six-member IMF team also sought details on the program’s implementation and property rights. “I told the IMF that it has come to Pakistan at the best time,” he said, adding that judges had informed the team about judicial reforms and the National Judicial Policy.
CJP Afridi also mentioned that the IMF delegation had made suggestions regarding property rights protection. He emphasized the importance of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee and explained that the judiciary was working towards creating benches for early hearings in the high courts.
The CJP further stated that the IMF team expressed interest in protecting foreign investment in Pakistan. He reiterated that it was not the judges’ responsibility to “disclose all the details,” highlighting their constitutional oath of judicial independence.
Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clarified that discussions related to the rule of law are part of the multilateral arrangements with organizations like the IMF, World Bank, and United Nations. “They do interact regarding the rule of law,” he said, noting that judicial autonomy is a purely constitutional matter.
In response to questions about international bodies exerting influence, Tarar emphasized that such interactions fall within the IMF and World Bank’s domain. He confirmed that Pakistan had committed to strengthening institutional capacities to fight corruption, support inclusive growth, and provide a level playing field for businesses and investments as part of its agreement with the IMF in October.
