Legal technology and dispute resolution: Pakistan studies China’s digital judicial revolution

Islamabad: As part of his official visit to China at the invitation of the China National Institute of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) President Muhammad Rauf Atta explored China’s groundbreaking legal digitization efforts during visits to the Shanghai People’s High Court and the Shanghai Arbitration Commission Centre.

According to an official statement, the visit focused on studying the structure and technological sophistication of the Chinese judicial system. The delegation observed how China’s courts have embraced digital transformation, significantly reducing dependence on manual processes. From AI-assisted judgments to mobile-based online hearings, China’s legal system has become a model for instantaneous and efficient justice.

A highlight of the visit was China’s use of Arbitration Commission Centres to resolve disputes outside of traditional courts. These centres follow globally accepted principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation and negotiation. The system’s effectiveness is evident, with over 8,000 long-pending cases resolved swiftly. The introduction of specialized commercial courts further underscores China’s commitment to blending legal innovation with economic needs.

Atta praised these reforms and highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing journey toward legal modernization. He noted that under the leadership of Pakistan’s current Chief Justice, traditional paper-based filing in the Supreme Court has been replaced by a comprehensive e-filing system. Video link hearings have been successfully implemented, and efforts are underway to extend this digital infrastructure across high courts and circuit benches.

While Pakistan has introduced Arbitration Councils in principle, Atta emphasized the urgent need for public awareness and institutional support. He affirmed that the SCBAP, in collaboration with legal stakeholders, is actively campaigning to mainstream these mechanisms in Pakistan’s justice system.

Though challenges remain, Atta concluded, Pakistan is making steady progress toward a transparent and tech-enabled judiciary, taking inspiration from China’s digital legal revolution.