ISLAMABAD:
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Supreme Court has reported a decline in pending cases, marking a significant turnaround in judicial efficiency.
According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court on Friday, the total number of pending cases, which stood at 60,446 at the beginning of last year, fell to 56,169 in October this year.
The court noted that the backlog of cases for nearly a decade had been rising steadily, from 25,686 in 2015 to a record high of more than 60,000 in early 2024.
The consistent increase had put increasing pressure on the justice system, delaying timely judgments and eroding public confidence in the judiciary.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, when he assumed office in October 2024, made it a top priority to reduce the caseload and transform the apex court into a people-centric and technology-enabled institution.
The statement said a comprehensive review was conducted to identify the root causes behind the persistent backlog.
The study highlighted three main challenges: weak case management and coordination, reliance on outdated manual procedures and limited use of technology for monitoring and administration.
In response, the Chief Justice launched a judicial reform action plan aimed at improving institutional performance, modernizing court operations, increasing transparency and accessibility, and adapting the system to the needs of the public.
During the reform agenda, several ground-breaking measures were introduced. The court implemented digital archiving, online case tracking and an electronic issuance of certified copies, which provided immediate access to information and significantly reduced procedural delays.
Furthermore, coordination between registries and benches was strengthened, while data-driven administrative tools were adopted to ensure better decision-making and efficient use of legal remedies.
The statement said the reforms have made the court’s processes more efficient and accessible, adding that the impact has been both visible and encouraging.
For the first time in ten years, the trend of increasing pending cases has reversed. The number of cases fell from 60,446 in early 2024 to 56,169 in October 2025, a milestone that reflects growing public confidence and a more efficient, transparent and fair justice system.
The Court reaffirmed its commitment to deepening the reform agenda to consolidate this progress.
It said the SC continues to advance its vision of a people-centric and technology-driven justice system that provides accessible, honest and speedy justice to every citizen of Pakistan.
