- The Judiciary Committee reduces the POL cap for judges.
- Video link hearings are encouraged to reduce travel.
- Staff rotation introduced to minimize commuting.
A high-level judicial committee on Tuesday approved a series of energy-saving measures, including a four-day work week and reduced fuel allowances, for courts as Pakistan struggles to limit the impact of rising fuel prices amid conflict in the Middle East.
The new virtual meeting of the National Judicial Committee (Policy Making) (NJPMC), chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi, was attended by the Chief Justices of the Federal Shariah Court and high courts, while the Attorney General of Pakistan joined on special invitation, according to a statement issued by the apex court.
The committee approved a comprehensive judicial austerity and conservation strategy to ensure responsible use of national resources while maintaining uninterrupted access to justice throughout the country.
The move comes in response to anticipated disruptions to oil supplies and rising energy costs, reflecting the judiciary’s “commitment to national resilience and institutional accountability.”
Among the key measures approved is a four-day working week, Monday to Thursday, for the Federal Sharia Court and all high courts.
“However, while ensuring that urgent judicial and administrative functions continue without interruption on Fridays and Saturdays, courts may take necessary internal governance measures taking into account their operational priorities,” the statement said.
District courts will also operate at full capacity from Monday to Thursday, while relevant higher courts will keep their staff at a minimum on Fridays and Saturdays, depending on workload and performance requirements.
The committee further decided to reduce the monthly Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants (POL) cap allocated to FCC and high court judges by 50 percent, while judicial officers will get a 25 percent reduction.
It also announced that no additional protocols or security vehicles would be deployed when traveling within designated high security zones, although route security would continue in accordance with existing requirements.
“Honourable judges and judicial officers posted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan shall maintain their security as circumstances dictate,” the judiciary said.
To reduce fuel consumption, litigants and lawyers will be encouraged to participate in hearings via video link where possible, “including in High Court and District Court premises”.
The Federal Sharia Court and high courts have been ordered to introduce rotation for staff to minimize commuting while maintaining essential court operations.
In the meantime, the federal government has decided that the additional weekly holiday will be observed on Fridays.
The development came to light during a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on austerity and fuel conservation.
The confirmation of the additional weekly holidays comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz announced a sweeping austerity and savings plan.
