Islamabad, April 29, 2026 — The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) has issued the National Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Institutions, marking an important step toward the responsible and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan's judicial system.

Approved in the 57th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee, the Guidelines provide a clear, principled and nationally consistent framework for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in judicial institutions.

The Guidelines recognize AI as an assistive technology that can support judicial efficiency, legal research, case management and administrative functions, while preserving human judgment, constitutional safeguards, due process and judicial independence.

Key Principles and Areas Covered

• Human-Centric Approach: Artificial Intelligence is intended to assist, not replace, judicial decision-making and human judgment.
• Ethical and Responsible Use: The Guidelines emphasize accountability, transparency, fairness and safeguards against bias and misuse.
• Data Protection and Security: Appropriate measures are required to protect judicial, personal and sensitive information when using AI systems.
• Practical Judicial Applications: AI may support areas such as case management, legal research, document processing and other appropriate judicial and administrative functions.
• Capacity Building: Judges, judicial officers and court staff are to be supported through appropriate awareness, training and capacity-building initiatives.

National Framework with Institutional Autonomy

The Guidelines were developed through an extensive consultative process led by the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC), with input from the High Courts and relevant experts and institutions.

The framework seeks to establish a unified national standard for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in judicial institutions while remaining consistent with Pakistan's constitutional, legal and institutional framework.

At the same time, the Guidelines respect the constitutional and administrative autonomy of the High Courts, enabling each jurisdiction to determine appropriate implementation arrangements according to its institutional requirements.

Artificial Intelligence and Judicial Reform in Pakistan

The National Guidelines represent a significant milestone in Pakistan's judicial reform and digital transformation efforts. They provide a foundation for adopting Artificial Intelligence responsibly while maintaining the fundamental principles of justice, fairness, transparency, accountability and judicial independence.

The Guidelines are intended to facilitate the responsible adoption of AI technologies in judicial institutions and to support a modern, efficient and accessible justice system.