The Supreme Court of Pakistan has introduced a comprehensive digital transformation of its judicial processes, marking a significant step towards a more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric justice system.
According to an official press release issued on Wednesday, the apex court has successfully integrated advanced technology to enable seamless multi-location hearings, allowing judges, lawyers and litigants to participate in proceedings from different parts of the country without geographical limitations.
In a recent hearing, a bench at the principal seat in Islamabad conducted proceedings while counsel joined simultaneously from Quetta, Hyderabad and Karachi, ensuring uninterrupted participation.
The court also demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changes in bench composition, with the Chief Justice presiding from Islamabad and Justice Ayesha A.
Malik joining via video link from Lahore, maintaining continuity in judicial work.
The press release stated that the entire docket on Wednesday was heard through a technology-enabled system, with the bench sitting in Islamabad and parties appearing remotely from Quetta, reflecting the effectiveness of the digital infrastructure.
A key feature of this transformation is the shift from traditional paper-based records to fully digitized case files. This development has eliminated the need for physical retrieval of documents from branch registries, thereby improving efficiency, speed and transparency in court proceedings.
The Supreme Court has also implemented a range of reforms, including digitization of case records, barcoding for tracking, e-filing of cases, electronic transmission of court orders, digital payment systems, institutionalized video-link hearings and the introduction of an e-office system.
These measures, the statement noted, represent a paradigm shift in judicial functioning, aimed at enhancing accessibility, reducing delays and making the justice system more responsive to the needs of the public.
