ISLAMABAD: The backlog of cases in Pakistan’s district Court’s has crossed the 2 million mark, according to newly released data by the Law and Justice Commission. The figures also reveal a critical shortage of judicial officers, with over 1,150 courts lying inactive due to vacant judge positions.
The data paints a stark picture of delays in the subordinate courts, where the mounting pendency threatens timely access to justice for citizens across the country.
According to the official document, a total of 1,153 courts are currently non-functional because judges have not been appointed. The province of Punjab accounts for the largest share, with 808 courts closed due to a lack of judges. In Sindh, 89 courts are inactive, while Balochistan faces 78 vacant court posts. The Peshawar High Court’s district Courts reports 149 inactive courts, and the Islamabad district judiciary has 29 courts awaiting judges.
The report breaks down the judicial vacancies further. In Punjab, 648 posts for family and civil judges remain unfilled. Under the Peshawar High Court, 126 civil and family courts are inactive. Sindh is grappling with 70 vacant civil and family judge posts, and Balochistan has 58 such positions awaiting appointment. Additionally, 13 civil and family courts in the federal capital are non-operational due to the unavailability of judges.
Legal experts warn that without swift appointments, the backlog will continue to grow, further delaying civil and criminal proceedings for millions of litigants.
