The Supreme Court of Pakistan has implemented the Supreme Court Rules 2025, aimed at modernising judicial procedures, embracing digital technology, and enhancing access to justice.
According to an official statement, the new rules have been framed to meet the modern-day requirements of the judiciary.
A committee comprising Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Irfan Saadat, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Aqeel Abbasi prepared the rules.
The committee consulted Supreme Court judges, the Pakistan Bar Council, the Supreme Court Bar Association, and other bar associations. Its proposals were presented to the full court, which approved the Rules 2025 after deliberation.
Read: SC revises court procedures
Key highlights of SC rules 2025
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has formally implemented the Rules 2025 replacing rules in place since 1980.
Framed under Article 191 of the Constitution, the new rules came into immediate effect following approval by the full court.
They were drafted by a committee comprising Justices Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan, Naeem Akhter Afghan, and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, after consultations with judges, bar councils, and legal associations.
The 2025 Rules introduce electronic filing of petitions and paper books, digital issuance of notices and orders, video-link hearings, and online access to case records.
They also revise court fees, enhance legal aid provisions, extend time limits for appeals and reviews, and formalise constitutional benches.
Other changes include streamlined procedures for summoning lower court records, provisions for intra-court appeals under Article 184(3), penalties for frivolous litigation, and greater powers for the registrar. Advocates may now choose between a sherwani or a short black coat, with gowns made optional.
The court described the reforms as a “transformative vision” to deliver timely justice, reduce procedural rigidity, and integrate modern legal practices.
The full text of the rules is available on the Supreme Court’s website.
SCBAP denies consultation over court fee hike
The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) on Thursday denied claims by the Supreme Court that it had been consulted on the introduction of the Supreme Court Rules 2025, specifically regarding a substantial increase in court fees.
In a statement, the SCBAP said no discussions or meetings were held with its representatives on the revised fee schedule and called on the authorities to release the minutes of any meeting showing its participation.
The association also said it was unaware of any committee formed by the Supreme Court to address potential issues arising from the fee hike.
“The drastic increase in court fees will not contribute to affordable and swift access to justice,” the SCBAP said, warning that the move undermined the principle of inexpensive justice under Article 37(d) of the Constitution, created hurdles for lawyers and litigants, and weakened public trust in the judiciary.
The SCBAP reaffirmed its support for the legal community and public in opposing the hike, calling for its immediate withdrawal.
