In a move that has generated considerable optimism, the newly appointed Chief Justice of Pakistan has taken significant strides toward addressing the Supreme Court’s backlog, which currently stands at over 60,000 cases. This Thursday, the Chief Justice formed several committees to devise strategies for clearing the backlog, with more than 3,000 cases specifically related to revenue and taxation. As part of a broader reform agenda, the Supreme Court has ordered a diagnostic study to assess the situation, after which medium- and short-term plans will be outlined. A consolidated plan will then be presented for public debate before being implemented with timelines and an impact assessment mechanism. This proactive approach to clearing the backlog is being hailed as an encouraging sign of determination from the country’s highest court to restore public faith in the judicial system.
However, while the Supreme Court’s efforts to streamline its operations are commendable, the real issue of judicial backlog extends far beyond the apex court. According to recent reports, the most significant portion of the backlog exists in the lower judiciary, where the situation is nothing short of dire. A report released earlier this year revealed that the district courts, which form the backbone of Pakistan’s judicial system, have an alarming 1.86 million pending cases—accounting for 82 percent of all cases pending nationwide. The majority of these cases—approximately 64 percent—are civil matters, with the remaining 36 percent involving criminal cases.
The stark reality is that the lower courts, burdened by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of due process, remain in a state of disarray. Ordinary citizens who seek justice at these levels often encounter a system that is not only slow but also routinely indifferent to their plight. Reports of bribery, negligence, and procedural delays are rampant, leaving millions of Pakistanis frustrated with the judicial process. Despite the promises of judicial reforms, the state of the lower courts has remained largely unaddressed during the current administration’s tenure.
While the Supreme Court’s efforts to clear its own caseload are laudable, they remain only a small part of the larger problem. The backlog in lower courts continues to grow, and without meaningful reforms at this level, the hopes of achieving timely justice for ordinary citizens will remain distant. The current regime’s legislative focus has yet to translate into tangible improvements for the lower judiciary, and citizens who depend on district courts are left to suffer in the system’s dysfunction.
It is hoped that the urgency and determination displayed by the Supreme Court in tackling its backlog will soon be mirrored in efforts to reform the lower judiciary. The long-suffering public deserves justice not only from the apex court but from the entire judicial system. Only by addressing the deep-rooted problems at the district court level can Pakistan hope to resolve its justice system crisis.
