ABBOTTABAD: The Double Docket Court (DDC) in Abbottabad is demonstrating promising results by extending court hours and accelerating case disposal.
The initiative envisioned by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and formally inaugurated on October 15, last year by Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Attique Shah introduced an evening court shift aimed at addressing urgent and sensitive cases.
Unlike traditional district courts that typically close by mid-afternoon, the Double Docket Court operated an additional session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This shift focuses on family disputes, rent cases, and matters involving women and juveniles.
The impact of the reform became evident in a recent case, where a distressed family approached the court late in the day on the brink of breakdown. Instead of being turned away, as is common under routine court hours, the case was heard the same evening. The timely intervention helped resolve the dispute and prevent further escalation, underscoring the human impact of extended judicial access.
According to official figures, the Abbottabad DDC disposed of 418 cases within just four months of its launch. Notably, 129 cases-nearly one-third of the total-were resolved during the evening shift alone, reflecting a significant increase in judicial efficiency without additional infrastructure.
Legal experts say the reform represents a shift in judicial philosophy-from a system driven by procedural routine to one focused on accessibility and responsiveness. By prioritizing socially sensitive cases, the initiative is not only reducing backlog but also helping restore relationships and community stability.
Despite challenges, including harsh winter conditions affecting litigants from remote areas, the local judiciary, under the leadership of the District & Sessions Judge Abbottabad, worked in coordination with the district bar to ensure flexibility and continued operations.
Observers believe the success of the Double Docket Court in Abbottabad provides a practical model for replication across the country. As pressure mounts on Pakistan’s overburdened judicial system, the reform highlights how extending working hours-rather than expanding infrastructure-can deliver meaningful results.
