In a significant move to mitigate the impact of soaring global energy costs, Pakistan’s top judicial policy body has approved a sweeping austerity and conservation strategy for the country’s courts. The measures include a shift to a four-day working week and substantial cuts in fuel allowances for judges.
National Response to Global Energy Disruption
The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, convened an emergency virtual meeting on Tuesday. The committee endorsed a comprehensive “Judicial Austerity and Energy Conservation Strategy,” citing anticipated disruptions in petroleum supply and rising costs linked to the Middle East conflict. The move is framed as part of the judiciary’s commitment to national resilience and responsible use of resources.
Key Measures Approved
The approved plan introduces immediate operational changes across the judicial system:
- Four-Day Work Week: The Federal Shariat Court and all High Courts will operate from Monday to Thursday. District courts will function at full capacity during these days, with skeleton staff maintained on Fridays and Saturdays for urgent functions.
- Reduced Fuel Allowances: The monthly Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) ceiling for judges of the Federal Shariat Court and High Courts will be slashed by 50%. Judicial officers will see a 25% reduction.
- Promotion of Virtual Hearings: Lawyers and litigants will be encouraged to use video-link facilities from court premises to reduce travel.
- Staff Rotation & Protocol Cuts: Rotational attendance for court staff will be introduced to minimize commuting. Additionally, no extra protocol or security vehicles will be deployed for movements within high-security zones, except for judges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Alignment with Federal Austerity Drive
The judicial decision aligns with a broader government austerity plan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently chaired a review meeting on fuel conservation, confirming that the additional weekly holiday across the federal government would be observed on Fridays. This coordinated response highlights a national effort to curb fuel consumption amid the ongoing crisis.
The judiciary’s strategy aims to ensure uninterrupted access to justice while adapting to economic pressures, setting a precedent for institutional austerity in Pakistan.
