ISLAMABAD: The judiciary has rolled out a series of austerity and energy conservation measures, including a four-day workweek and reductions in fuel allowances, as Pakistan faces rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi chaired an emergent virtual session of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) on Tuesday, attended by chief justices of the Federal Shariat Court and all high courts. The Attorney General for Pakistan participated by special invitation, according to a statement from the apex court.
The committee approved a Judicial Austerity and Energy Conservation Strategy to ensure responsible use of resources while maintaining uninterrupted access to justice. Key initiatives include:
Four-day workweek (Monday to Thursday) for high courts and the Federal Shariat Court. Essential judicial and administrative functions will continue on Fridays and Saturdays with minimal staffing.
District courts to operate at full capacity Monday through Thursday, with rotational staffing on Fridays and Saturdays based on workload.
Reduction in fuel allowances: 50% cut for judges of high courts and FCC, 25% cut for other judicial officers.
Limitations on protocol and security vehicles, while route security for high-risk zones will remain. Special measures continue for judges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Encouragement of video-link hearings for litigants and lawyers where feasible, reducing commuting and fuel use.
Rotational attendance for court staff to further limit travel while maintaining essential operations.
Additionally, the federal government confirmed that the extra weekly holiday will be observed on Fridays. These measures follow a review chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on national austerity and fuel conservation strategies.
The move reflects the judiciary’s focus on national resource management, ensuring operational efficiency while responding to potential energy supply disruptions and rising costs.
