Pakistan’s courts have joined government and provincial institutions in adopting austerity and fuel‑conservation measures, including a shift to a four‑day work week, officials said Tuesday. The decision aims to curb energy consumption and operating costs amid rising global fuel prices linked to ongoing Middle East tensions.
A notification from the Supreme Court of Pakistan said that, due to anticipated disruptions in petroleum supply and escalating energy costs, courts will observe a four‑day week from Monday to Thursday, with Friday to Sunday declared holidays, until further notice.
The measures also include reducing the monthly ceiling for Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) allocated to judges and entitled officers by 50 per cent, and promoting video‑link participation for litigants and lawyers where feasible to reduce travel and fuel use.
The notification directed courts to implement rotational attendance for staff wherever practicable to minimise commuting and energy consumption while maintaining essential functions.
The decision followed a meeting of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, at which it was agreed that similar austerity measures would be adopted across the Federal Shariat Court (FSC), high courts and district courts.
A press release issued after the meeting described the strategy as part of a Judicial Austerity and Energy Conservation Strategy designed to ensure responsible use of national resources while keeping access to justice uninterrupted.
Under the new arrangements, high courts and the FSC will also operate on a four‑day schedule, with urgent judicial and administrative functions continuing as needed on Fridays and Saturdays, subject to workload. District courts will maintain full capacity from Monday to Thursday, while staffing will be scaled back on the additional days.
The austerity measures come amid broader national efforts by the federal government and provinces to respond to global fuel price shocks and conserve energy, including reduced work weeks, online participation and restrictions on official travel.
Originally Published By: Dawn
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