In Pakistan, the higher courts swiftly address cases involving politicians and the upper echelons of society. At the same time, the broader populace faces escalating challenges in securing justice, resulting in an increasing backlog of cases.
Reports indicate that the Supreme Court of Pakistan now grapples with a record-high number of pending cases, exceeding 59,000 for the first time in the nation’s history. The latest figures released by the court reveal 59,064 pending cases as of mid-July 2024.
From July 1 to July 15, 2024, 1,206 new cases were registered, with 481 resolved during the same period. Despite the resolution of these cases, no human rights-related cases were decided, underscoring a significant area of concern.
The report further notes that more than 32,000 appeals against High Court decisions remain in limbo, with no determination yet regarding their admissibility. Additionally, there is a noticeable increase in criminal appeals, now numbering over 10,000, and appeals filed by incarcerated individuals, which have surged to 3,295.
Particularly concerning is the period from June 16 to June 30, during which none of the 3,324 jail petitions filed were resolved, although 473 new cases were registered and 201 were disposed of. This growing caseload highlights a critical need for judicial reforms to enhance Pakistan’s courts’ efficiency and responsiveness.
