ISLAMABAD; The Supreme Court of Pakistan has made public its administrative decisions issued including revisions to the urgent hearing policy, new rules for official vehicles, publication of minority opinions, and enhanced facilities for sitting and retired judges.
The Supreme Court in this regard released a series of administrative circulars and orders issued between October 26, 2024, and August 12, 2025, making them publicly accessible. These directives cover policies related to judicial proceedings, judges’ facilities, official vehicles, and internal management.
On January 9, 2025, the Court introduced a new policy for deceased judges, assigning a focal person to assist families with funeral arrangements. A fresh policy on urgent hearings came into effect on February 22, 2025, prioritizing bail, family, and electoral cases, while removing the requirement for lawyers to file separate applications for matters deemed urgent. For other cases, solid reasons must accompany requests for early hearings.
In an order dated March 6, 2025, the Court revised private use charges for official vehicles, increasing the per-kilometer rate. Later, on May 17, 2025, a new Purchase and Maintenance Committee was formed to oversee the upkeep of court buildings, judges’ residences, and guest houses, with authority to recommend works up to Rs. 500,000.
On May 19, 2025, the Court amended its policy on publishing judgments, deciding that minority opinions would also be uploaded alongside majority verdicts. The same policy introduced stricter SOPs for the Supreme Court’s daycare center, restricting admission to children up to four years old.
A May 22, 2025 directive introduced fresh rules for university visits, allowing only final-year students and mandating a dress code.
On June 17, 2025, new guidelines were issued for official vehicles: each judge is entitled to two government-provided cars of up to 1800cc—one primary and one family car—along with two drivers. Judges may also receive a third vehicle in urgent circumstances with registrar approval, in addition to a security escort and armed guard. Retired judges were granted the right to retain their primary vehicle for one month post-retirement and the option to purchase their used car at a discounted price, along with complimentary airport pick-and-drop service.
The Supreme Court also revised protocols on July 7, 2025, strengthening services for sitting judges. Judges and their families were assured priority in travel, accommodation, and official dealings with agencies such as NADRA, Passport Office, and CDA. Guest house reservations were also updated, giving preference to judges and their families. Furthermore, judges would receive assistance in obtaining memberships of clinics and clubs, while protocol staff were directed to remain available round-the-clock.
On July 29, 2025, rules governing foreign vacations were amended, limiting judges’ private overseas travel to summer and winter breaks, with the Chief Justice retaining authority to cancel or restrict pre-approved leave if required.
