ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has announced a series of austerity and energy conservation measures, including a four-day work week, in response to the ongoing fuel crisis linked to regional tensions in the Middle East.
According to a notification issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, courts will operate from Monday to Thursday, while Friday to Sunday will be observed as holidays, as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs.
The notification stated that the decision was taken in view of possible disruptions in petroleum supplies and rising global energy prices, making it necessary for institutions to adopt responsible resource management practices.
Under the new measures, the monthly allocation of petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) for judges and entitled officials has been reduced by 50 percent. The directive also states that no additional protocol or security vehicles will be deployed for movements within designated high-security zones, though necessary route security will continue to be maintained.
Supreme court has also encouraged litigants and lawyers to participate in hearings through video-link facilities, wherever possible, in order to reduce travel and energy use. Additionally, staff attendance will be arranged on a rotational basis to minimise commuting while ensuring essential court operations continue.
The measures were approved during a virtual meeting of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee chaired by Yahya Afridi, Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Following the meeting, the committee decided that similar steps would be adopted by the Federal Shariat Court, as well as the country’s high courts and district courts.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the judiciary approved a comprehensive Judicial Austerity and Energy Conservation Strategy aimed at reducing fuel consumption and operational expenditures while ensuring uninterrupted access to justice.
High courts and the Federal Shariat Court will also observe a Monday-to-Thursday working schedule, although urgent judicial and administrative matters may still be handled on Fridays and Saturdays depending on operational needs.
District courts will maintain full operations during the four working days, while high courts may keep minimal staff presence on Fridays and Saturdays based on workload requirements.
The strategy further reduces fuel allocations for high courts and the Federal Shariat Court by 50 percent, while judicial officers of these courts will see a 25 percent reduction in POL allocations.
Meanwhile, the Federal Constitutional Court, a newly established apex court, has also adopted similar austerity steps, including a four-day work week and a significant reduction in fuel usage for official vehicles. However, the notification did not specify the exact percentage of the fuel cut.
Officials said the judiciary’s move reflects an effort to lead by example during a period of economic and energy uncertainty while maintaining the delivery of judicial services across the country.