ISLAMABAD: Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Chief Justice of Pakistan undertook a critical review of the institution, disposal and pendency of judicial cases and HR applications in Supreme Court of Pakistan during the period from 01.01.2016 to 24.08.2016, so that necessary measures may be adopted for ensuring expeditious disposal of cases.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan was apprised that this year, the institution rate rose to unprecedented levels. During the period from 01.01.2016 to 24.08.2016, on judicial side 14562 new cases were instituted whereas 19253 HR applications were received, against which, 12223 cases and 20001 HR applications were disposed of.

The  Chief Justice of Pakistan took suo moto notice of many issues involving the question of public importance with reference to the enforcement of Fundamental Rights under Article 184(3) of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, major among them being illegal appointments, promotion and adjustments without any advertisement/interview on the basis of bogus service structure in the Health Department of Sindh; payment of Rs.5 crore fee to various advocates by EOBI to defend its ex-chairman Mr. Zafar Iqbal Gondal; failure of PIA to refund passengers when flights had been cancelled due to strike against its privatization; cutting of trees from Marghala Hills and Lora (KPK) by the stone crushing mafia; miserable condition of Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta; political influence and interference with the working of Sindh Police; deputation of police service of Pakistan officers in FIA; delay in carrying out census in the country; non-performance of it Constitutional duties by the Election Commission of Pakistan; illegal transplantation of Human Organs; abduction of children in province of Punjab; and Illegalities, contraventions and violation in appointments within NAB. These measures shall not only play substantial role towards the elimination of corruption, embezzlement of public money, nepotism and violation of law/rules but also pave way towards achieving good governance and rule of law in the country.

With the aim to provide inexpensive and expeditious justice to the litigant at their door step and to minimize the backlog of cases, the Chief Justice of Pakistan constituted various regular and larger Benches at the Principal Seat, Islamabad as well as Branch Registries to expedite the case hearings and clear the backlog. Despite summer vacations the Court continued to function on regular basis and the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the Judges of Supreme Court continued to hear the cases.

On 01st January, 2016, 27916 cases were pending on judicial side. During the period from 01st January, 2016 to 24th August 2016, 14562 new cases were instituted and 149 cases were restored, as such the progressive total of pending cases came to 42627 cases. Out of these, 12223 cases were disposed leaving 30404 pending cases.

At Principal Seat Islamabad 8464 cases were instituted while 8228 cases were disposed of during the period. At Branch Registry Lahore 4259 cases were instituted while 2578 cases were disposed of. At Branch Registry Karachi 1051 cases were instituted while 1370 cases were disposed of. At Branch Registry Peshawar 629 cases were instituted while 47 cases were disposed of and in Quetta 159 cases were instituted.

On 01st January 2016, 10526 applications were pending in the HR Cell of the Apex Court. During the period from 01st January, 2016 to 24th August, 2016, 19253 new applications were instituted, as such the progressive total of pending applications came to 29779. Out of these, 20001 applications were disposed of reducing the pending applications to 9778.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan appreciated and lauded the efforts of his brother Judges and expressed the hope that very soon the Court will succeed in considerably reducing the pendency by expediting disposal of cases with the present pace. The Chief Justice of Pakistan expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Supreme Court and urged that untiring efforts should continue to be made in order to maintain good pace of performance.