A four-member committee of Supreme Court judges has finalised a draft of the Supreme Court Rules, 2025, aimed at modernising judicial procedures through automation and digital case management. The draft has been submitted to the Chief Justice of Pakistan for further review before its final approval by the Full Court.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi had constituted the committee to revise the existing Supreme Court Rules, 1980, ensuring they align with contemporary legal requirements. The committee comprised Justices Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi.
To make the reforms inclusive, the committee initially sought proposals from Supreme Court judges, the court administration, as well as Bar Councils and Bar Associations. The review process involved extensive research, consultations, and multiple discussions to assess best practices and address gaps in the existing framework.
A key focus of the proposed amendments is the adoption of digital tools to improve case management and streamline administrative processes. The reforms aim to enhance transparency, reduce procedural delays, and improve public access to judicial information, ensuring that justice is dispensed efficiently and in line with international standards.
Following the submission of the draft to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, it will now undergo further scrutiny by the Chief Justice and other judges. After this consultative process, the proposal will be presented before the Full Court for final approval.
According to a press statement issued by the Supreme Court’s spokesperson, these changes reflect the apex court’s commitment to modernising judicial operations, reinforcing procedural clarity, and upholding the highest standards of justice. The proposed rules seek to strengthen public confidence in the judiciary by ensuring that legal proceedings remain robust and adaptable to contemporary needs.