The Supreme Court has decided to restore its full working schedule after ending previously introduced austerity measures. The decision comes after approval from the Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, marking a return to normal judicial operations.
Austerity Measures Officially Ended
According to an official notification, the austerity policy introduced on March 10, 2026, will formally end on June 15, 2026. Consequently, all court functions will resume their standard procedures without restrictions.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had implemented cost-cutting measures aimed at reducing operational expenses. These steps included reduced working days and limits on administrative resources.
However, with the latest decision, the institution has reversed those restrictions and shifted back to its regular system.
Six-Day Working Week Restored
Under the previous arrangement, court operations were limited to four working days, running from Monday to Thursday. This adjustment was part of a broader austerity drive.
Now, the Supreme Court will return to its traditional six-day working schedule, operating from Monday to Saturday. The change is expected to improve workflow and case management efficiency.
Officials believe that the restored schedule will also help reduce delays in judicial proceedings, allowing faster access to justice.
Reversal of Resource Restrictions
The earlier austerity policy also included financial and administrative limitations. Judges and entitled officers had their monthly petrol quota reduced by 50 percent. Additionally, restrictions were placed on the use of extra security and protocol vehicles in high-security areas.
Moreover, the court had introduced staggered attendance for staff members to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. These arrangements were part of a broader effort to manage expenses more efficiently.
With the new decision, all such restrictions have now been withdrawn. Court operations will once again follow standard administrative and logistical procedures.
Return to Normal Judicial Operations
Officials have stated that the reversal of austerity measures is expected to streamline judicial functioning. The return to a full working week is also likely to improve case handling capacity and reduce backlog pressure.
Furthermore, the move signals a shift back to routine governance within the judicial system, ensuring uninterrupted access to court services.
The Supreme Court’s decision reflects a broader effort to balance cost management with the need for efficient and timely justice delivery.
