Pakistan’s judiciary is currently addressing a staggering backlog of over 2.362 million cases across all tiers from trial courts at the district level to the highest legal jurisdiction, the Supreme Court exposing systemic inefficiencies and inadequate case disposal rates.

State of Pending Cases in District and Sessions Courts

Bulk of the backlog resides in District and Sessions Courts, where more than two million cases are awaiting adjudication. These span both criminal and civil matters, involving everything from property disputes to severe criminal charges, significantly slowing down access to justice for ordinary citizens.

Supreme Court Also Faces Growing Case Accumulation

Even the apex court is experiencing delays, with tens of thousands of cases lodged before the Supreme Court remaining unresolved. This includes appeals, constitutional petitions, and significant public interest litigations, placing immense pressure on limited judicial resources.

Justice Delayed Equals Justice Denied for Litigants

The backlog has serious consequences:

  • Erosion of public confidence as cases drag on for years
  • Financial hardship and prolonged uncertainty for plaintiffs and defendants
  • Overburdened courts struggle with outdated records and logistical challenges

Expert Calls for Systemic Judicial Reforms

Legal scholars and reform advocates stress the need for:

  • More judges and judicial staff
  • Digitized court records and e‑filing systems
  • Case triage mechanisms to separate urgent matters
  • Alternate dispute resolution (ADR) and fast-track courts
    These measures aim to streamline case flow and improve judicial access.

Government Initiatives Under Consideration

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan and Law Ministry are reportedly exploring solutions such as:

  • Establishing new judicial positions
  • Launching virtual courts
  • Expanding ADR centers
  • Creating specialized fast-track tribunals for backlogged categories
    However, concrete implementation timelines remain unclear.

Comparative Context: Pakistan’s Court Efficiency in Perspective

Compared to global averages, where delayed legal proceedings are relatively rare, Pakistan’s backlog is exceptionally high. The backlog ratio per judge far exceeds that in many peer democracies, intensifying concerns over rule-of-law and institutional accountability.

Looking Ahead: Reform Imperative for Justice Delivery

Addressing this backlog is critical not only for individual litigants but for the integrity of Pakistan’s legal system. Reforming judicial infrastructure, embracing technology, and expanding judicial capacity are essential steps toward reducing delays and ensuring timely justice for all.