ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday notified separate SOPs to ensure uninterrupted judicial functioning during unforeseen public holidays and to streamline fixation of cases through a transparent, priority-based and predictable system.
Under the SOPs, the court’s administrative and judicial business shall ordinarily continue during emergently declared public holidays with minimal essential staff arrangements, unless otherwise directed by the chief justice of Pakistan.
The case fixation framework prioritizes urgent civil and criminal matters, including family cases, bail matters, criminal review petitions, cases of prisoners above 80 years of age, restoration petitions and compromise matters and cases involving short legal questions.
Similarly, in order to reduce pendency, at least 40% of each Final Cause List shall consist of the oldest pending cases up to the year 2018, with progressive inclusion of later years where required. Special facilitation has also been provided for cases filed by counsel from Sindh and Balochistan.
The SOPs further provided for the issuance of weekly and proposed monthly cause lists, along with the development of an automated case fixation system to enhance transparency, minimise delays and improve case flow management.
These measures reflect the Supreme Court’s continued commitment to efficient, technology-driven and citizen-centric administration of justice, says a press release issued here
Meanwhile, it was also notified that the apex court will function today (Wednesday) April 22, 2026 with minimal specified officers; however, the remaining officers will work from home and will remain in contact with their immediate supervising officers by keeping themselves connected through cellphone. Issued with the approval of Chief Justice of Pakistan, it was further stated that no adverse order will be passed in case of non-appearance of any party or advocate in any case of Islamabad fixed in final cause list on above date
Furthermore, it was stated that the Supreme Court Branch Registries at Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta will remain open.
