By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: A Rs24 billion Judicial Tower project was launched on Saturday to centralise Lahore’s subordinate courts at a single location, with Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum laying the foundation stone of the landmark judicial infrastructure initiative.
The project, expected to be completed within 30 months, will feature 184 courtrooms, bar rooms, record rooms and a modern parking plaza aimed at improving facilities for lawyers, litigants and court staff.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Pakistan Bar Council member Ahsan Bhoon, LHC senior puisne judge Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh and other judges and members of the legal fraternity.
Earlier, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum visited the Lahore Bar Association, where she inaugurated the solarisation of subordinate courts, an e-library and a female bar room before attending the Judicial Tower ceremony.
Addressing the event, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar described the Judicial Tower as a historic milestone in Pakistan’s judicial system, saying the project would create a lasting legacy for future generations.
He praised Chief Justice Neelum for prioritising judicial reforms and facilities for litigants and lawyers instead of seeking additional privileges or improved residential facilities for judges during her tenure.
Tarar also acknowledged the Punjab government’s support in moving the project forward, saying provincial cooperation played an important role in advancing the initiative.
Pakistan Bar Council member Ahsan Bhoon termed the Judicial Tower a landmark achievement and appreciated the efforts of the chief justice and the federal law minister in making the project possible.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum distributed commemorative shields among session judges, civil judges and members of the legal fraternity in recognition of their services.
The Judicial Tower aims to improve judicial administration by eliminating the difficulties caused by scattered court locations in Lahore and providing a more organised and accessible system for the public.
