LAHORE Despite the endorsement of Judicial Policy a year ago, the 110 approved posts of judges in subordinate judiciary have not yet been filled in Punjab, as around 1.2 million pending cases with a daily addition of 1,000 new ones are waiting for disposal. The number of judges have never been increased in proportion with the cases being accumulated. In 2004, the approved posts were 984, which increased to 1,145 in 2006, while 36 district and sessions judges, 291 additional district and sessions judges, 37 senior civil judges and 754 civil judges-cum-judicial magistrates are currently performing duties in the province. Another 125 ex-cadre judges are also deputed in various courts functioning under the federal and provincial govts. According to the rules, the number of cases being heard a judge should not exceed 500 but up to 3,000 files are pending before each judge in big cities like Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad and Rawalpindi. In light of the Judicial Policy, the judicial officers working on contract in tribunals and other institutions of federal and provincial govts have also been sent back to the judiciary, a move meant to enhance the number of judges. Pakistan Bar Council and different bar associations from across the country are unanimous in their view that the number of pending cases can never been reduced unless the posts of judges is not increased. Senior lawyers are even demanding to double the approved posts. The superior judiciary has also recommended the increase and sources are saying that the proposal would be implemented in current year.