Supreme Court Sets New Benchmark in Fast-Tracking Cases, Strengthens District Judiciary

‘These achievements resulted from effective case load management, resource dedication, and the reconfiguration of appropriate human resources.’

Supreme Court Sets New Benchmark in Fast-Tracking Cases, Strengthens District Judiciary

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has gained momentum in fast-tracking case disposal from October 28, 2024, to January 3, 2025. During this period, the Court disposed of 7,482 cases, against the institution of 2,950 new cases.

These achievements resulted from effective case load management, resource dedication, and the reconfiguration of appropriate human resources. 

The Chief Justice and Judges have worked relentlessly to ensure that the highest court of the country remains responsive to the needs of the public. Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has placed a strong emphasis on judicial reforms to enhance the performance, efficiency, and transparency of the judiciary. Advanced information technology systems are being integrated to streamline administrative workflows, optimize case tracking, and facilitate faster decision-making. Additionally, improvements in case management processes have been introduced with a focus on litigant facilitation, including the introduction of e-Affidavits and instant certified copies.

Public engagement and inclusivity are at the heart of this vision for a citizen-focused judiciary. Mechanisms for collecting feedback from stakeholders, including legal practitioners, litigants, and civil society organizations, have been introduced. These initiatives aim to make the judiciary more accountable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the public.

Recognizing the critical role of the district judiciary as the first point of contact for litigants, Chief Justice Afridi has personally visited remote districts across the country. These visits were aimed at assessing the state of justice delivery at the grassroots level, identifying challenges faced by district courts, and exploring ways to enhance their efficiency. The district judiciary not only forms the backbone of the justice system but also plays a pivotal role in shaping public trust and confidence in the judiciary. Efforts are underway to strengthen its capacity, address resource gaps, and ensure equitable access to justice for all citizens.

The writer is an Islamabad based journalist working with The Friday Times. He tweets @SabihUlHussnain