Supreme Court expands digital hearings across cities

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court said on Wednesday that it has incorporated advanced technology into its judicial work, describing the move as a major step towards a more transparent, accessible and citizen-focused justice system.

According to a court handout, the apex court has made multi-location hearings operational, allowing benches, lawyers and litigants in different parts of the country to take part in proceedings without being limited by distance.

In one recent hearing described by the court as a landmark development, the bench sat at the Principal Seat in Islamabad while counsel joined at the same time from Quetta, Hyderabad and Karachi. The handout said the arrangement allowed proceedings to continue smoothly and ensured equal participation.

The Supreme Court also said it responded quickly to an unexpected change in bench composition earlier this week. Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi presided over the proceedings from Islamabad, while Justice Ayesha A. Malik joined the bench from Lahore, which the court said ensured continuity in the hearing without affecting judicial efficiency.

Further underlining the shift, the court said the entire docket on Wednesday was heard with the bench sitting in Islamabad while counsel and parties appeared from Quetta, reflecting what it called a fully operational technology-enabled judicial system.

Shift from paper-based practice

The proceedings were also significant because they marked a move away from the traditional dependence on physical paper books, the handout said. Instead, fully digitised case files were used during the hearings.

According to the court, this removed the need to retrieve records from branch registries and improved efficiency, speed and transparency in the handling of cases.

The handout listed a series of reforms introduced as part of the broader digitisation drive. These include the digitisation of case files for secure and efficient record management, barcoding of cases for accurate tracking and transparency, and digital case filing aimed at reducing procedural delays and improving access.

The court also said electronic transmission of court orders has been introduced to enable faster delivery of decisions, while digital payment systems have been made operational to simplify procedures for litigants.

In addition, video-link hearings have been institutionalised to reduce distance-related barriers and costs, and an e-office system has been introduced as part of the wider digital ecosystem. The SC said it has successfully integrated cutting-edge technology into its judicial processes, redefining how justice is delivered across the country.

The announcement said these measures represent a fundamental change from conventional courtroom practices to a technology-driven model focused on accessibility, efficiency and transparency. By reducing logistical hurdles and enabling real-time participation from multiple locations, the court said it is making the justice system more inclusive and more responsive to the needs of citizens.