In response to the looming shortage of petroleum products and the surge in global energy prices, Pakistan’s judiciary has announced a series of austerity and energy conservation measures. These steps were finalized during an urgent session of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee, which was presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). The committee’s decisions aim to optimize resource usage while maintaining the uninterrupted delivery of justice across the country.
One of the most significant changes introduced is the shift to a four-day working week for the higher judiciary. The Federal Shariat Court along with all provincial high courts will now conduct their official business from Monday through Thursday. Similarly, district courts nationwide will operate at full capacity during these four days. Although Fridays and Saturdays will see limited judicial and administrative functions, courts will remain open to handle urgent and time-sensitive matters, ensuring that critical cases receive prompt attention despite the reduced schedule.
In addition to adjusting working days, the judiciary has implemented strict cuts on fuel consumption. The monthly allocation of petrol, oil, and lubricants (POL) for judges serving in the Federal Shariat Court and high courts has been slashed by half. Judicial officers will also face a 25 percent reduction in their POL quotas. This move is part of a broader effort to curb unnecessary fuel usage and reduce operational costs amid the ongoing energy crisis.
Security protocols have also been revised to align with the new austerity measures. The judiciary has decided against providing any extra protocol or security vehicles for judges when moving within high-security zones. Nonetheless, security arrangements for judicial personnel in regions with heightened risks, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, will continue as per the existing threat assessments to ensure their safety remains uncompromised.
To further minimize travel and conserve fuel, courts will increasingly rely on video-link technology for hearings and proceedings. Both high courts and district courts have been instructed to facilitate remote appearances wherever feasible, reducing the need for physical presence and thereby cutting down on transportation-related expenses. Moreover, the committee approved a rotational attendance system for court staff, which will help decrease daily operational costs while maintaining essential services.
These comprehensive measures reflect the judiciary’s commitment to adapting to the challenging economic and energy landscape without sacrificing the quality and accessibility of justice. The committee underscored that despite the introduction of these cost-saving initiatives, the courts will continue to function efficiently and responsively, ensuring that the public’s right to timely legal recourse remains intact.
