Islamabad:
On Thursday, the Supreme Court formally published the Supreme Court rules, 2025, and replaced the Supreme Court’s rules, 1980 in what the Court described as its obligation to modernization, digitization and to bring procedural clarity in the legal system in accordance with global law.
Framed under Article 191 of the Constitution, the new rules replaced “outdated provisions” and brought legal procedures in accordance with contemporary legal, constitutional and technological development. According to a press release issued by SC on Thursday, the rules came immediate effect.
The new rules were framed by a committee set up by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya AFRIFI. The committee consisted of four SC referees – Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, Justice Naeem Akhter Afghan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi.
According to a press releases issued by the Apex Court, the committee was employed by judges, Pakistan wore Council (PBC), Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and other bar associations. The last draft was placed before the full court and approved after detailed consideration.
Following the promotion of the new rules, SCBA issued a statement stating that SC did not consult columns with regard to the increase in court fees. It required SC to make his decision to increase the fees and noted that such an increase in fees will not help dispense justice.
Later in the day, SC issued a public message inviting suggestions to improve the rules.
The message said the new rules are devised as a living document that is responding to the needs of the bench, bar, disputes and adaptable to new legal and technological developments.
It said that CJP in the spirit of transparency and inclusive has constituted a committee in accordance with Rule 1 (2).
Interestingly, the committee consists of the same four judges – justice Waheed, Justice Khan, Justice Afghan and Justice Abbasi – which was part of the committee that framed the rules.
“SC invites proposals and feedback from judges, members of the bar, litigation and the public in this regard. Submissions will be prepared and reviewed by the committee and placed before the full court for processing at the beginning of the new judicial year.
“Proposals can be sent in writing to the SC registrar,” it added.
The new rules
The Supreme Court’s rules, 2025, consists of seven parts, eighty -eight orders and six schedules, with approx. 280 provisions changed-inclusive 160 from the schedules. The rules include 60 new provisions, while five outdated provisions have been deleted.
The new rules include digital transition and technological activation. Now all petitions and paper books must now be submitted electronically, while scanned copies are also mandatory. Messages, orders, certified copies and submissions will be issued digitally.
Hearings through video link are now allowed. It makes the approval of declarations from an apostille mandatory. An Apostille is a certificate that simplifies the approval of documents for international use, especially for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Parties and advocates are also obliged to provide updated phone numbers, e -mail addresses and digital app information. Now, legal documents sent by mail will not be entertained.
It gives litigation access to items and parties can inspect items or get copies online or personally. Applications that are significant for urgent or request for temporary relief must be stated within 14 days or on the earliest practical date.
The SC registrar is authorized to ensure compliance with formats prescribed in the sixth schedule.
According to the new rules, legal fees are revised by decades; Lawyer and official expenses are also updated. However, criminal petitions are free of charge certified copies.
Copies are free for petitions submitted from prison, while Habea’s Corpus and Article 184 (2). 3, Petitions related to criminal affairs remain exempt from fees. The registrar may appoint proponents on the state’s expenditure in death sentences. Advisory fees are also improved.
In accordance with the rules, Intra-Court appeals have been introduced for orders in accordance with Article 184 (2). 3, and the contempt procedure. A petition petition is allowed per. Judgment and it can be filed in person or through alternative adviser. Frivolous reviews can attract sanctions and security deposits have increased.
A party may revoke a power of attorney and appoint a new lawyer-on-record record. Transfer applications pursuant to Articles 186a and ยง 25a of Family Courts ACT, 1964, are now recognized. Constitutional benches are formalized through a recently added chapter.
The rules also introduce assessment and procedural protection measures.
Appeals from Interlocutory Orders will be heard by a bench of at least two judges; All other appeals, including them against dismissal, will be heard by no less than three judges.
Paperbooks will be delivered in advance to the Attorney General, the Attorney General, the Prosecutor’s Office and the respondents with a certification of service. The registrar may remember EX-Parte orders after sufficient cause.
Compromise in compound offenses is now formally accommodated. In dismissal, the court may claim bail or take forced measures if a respondent avoids the appearance. Procedures for summoning items from lower courts have been streamlined.
According to the administrative and structural reforms, the registrar is authorized to oversee staff and exercise procedural powers as awarded in accordance with the rules. Branch registrations are stored in all provincial capitals; Arlinger is allowed on either Islamabad or the relevant registry.
According to the rules, all fees, costs, security deposits and allowances will be reviewed and revised every three years. Written tests for registration as a lawyer-on-record have been abolished and proponents with five years of status may apply directly.
The new rules also highlight behavior in the courtroom. Lawyers can carry either a Sherwani or a short black coat; Wearing dresses is now optional.
No brief statement is required in criminal appeals. In civilian affairs whose security of costs is not deposited within 30 days, stands are abandoned unless otherwise ordered.
Respondents can seek a brief dismissal of junk or delay motivated appeals. Procedural errors must be treated as irregularities and will not cancel the procedure. According to the new rules, the inherent powers of the court are affected to ensure that justice remains unaffected.
“The Supreme Court’s rules, 2025, reflect a transformative vision – to integrate digital tools, promote timely justice and eliminate procedural stiffness.
“With inclusive provisions and simplified processes, the rules of a new era are introducing legal efficiency and responsiveness in Pakistan. These rules have also been uploaded on the Supreme Court’s website for information about the public,” the official press release states.
