Officials said a reversal of savings would ensure a smoother operation of legal work
The Supreme Court said that as a constitutional body under Article 175 of the Constitution, it must have autonomy to conceive, design and approve infrastructure projects in accordance with its institutional requirements. Photo: Online
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court has withdrawn its previous austerity measures, restoring full working hours and reversing cuts to fuel quotas and security schemes after the approval of Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi.
According to a notice issued after the Chief Justice’s approval, the austerity policy introduced on March 10, 2026 will formally cease from June 15, 2026 and all court operations will return to normal.
Under the previous measures, the Supreme Court had reduced its working days to four (Monday to Thursday) as part of a cost-cutting initiative. But with the withdrawal of the notice, the court will now resume its normal six-day working hours from Monday to Saturday.
The March announcement had also included a 50 percent reduction in the monthly gasoline quota for judges and eligible officers, along with restrictions on the use of additional security and protocol vehicles in high-security zones.
The monitoring committee had also introduced staggered attendance of court staff to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. The court has now revoked all of these measures and will operate according to its standard procedures and schedules.
Officials said the reversal of austerity would ensure a smoother functioning of judicial work and facilitate improved access to the courts as routine operations resume without restrictions.
The federal government on Wednesday extended a series of austerity measures until June 30, allowing independent grocery and convenience stores to remain open until 10 p.m. 10 pm after a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Earlier this month, the federal government relaxed business closing hours as part of revised energy conservation measures, citing rising temperatures and longer summer days.
