ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has released its report, “Journey Through Reform and Innovation 2026”, documenting the judicial and institutional reforms undertaken from November 2024 to September 2026.
The report gives a comprehensive account of the apex court’s reform efforts, covering case management, the backlog of pending cases, digital transformation, institutional accountability and public access to justice.
86-point Reform Action Plan
The report documents the implementation of an 86-point Reform Action Plan, backed by a structured governance mechanism, dedicated working groups and regular reviews of reform initiatives.
It records measurable progress in judicial performance, including a substantial increase in case disposals, greater attention to long-pending cases, expanded digital services and stronger data-driven performance monitoring.
The plan builds on a run of recent court reforms, including new Federal Constitutional Court rules placing the chief justice alone in charge of bench formation.
Case management and digital services
The report highlights key national initiatives advanced through the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee. These include the time-bound disposal of prioritised cases, the establishment of Model Trial Courts, the responsible use of artificial intelligence and the development of judicial analytics.
Significant progress has also been made in modernising judicial procedures, improving access to court services and strengthening institutional collaboration. The push towards transparency extends into courtrooms themselves; the Lahore High Court recently banned filming across its premises and warned of phone seizure.
Accountability and access to justice
The report also records work on institutional accountability and public access to justice. It says the reforms were driven through a structured governance mechanism, with dedicated working groups and regular reviews of each reform initiative. The document is presented as an institutional record of the process, capturing both measurable achievements and the continuing work required to strengthen the efficiency, accessibility, predictability and responsiveness of justice delivery in Pakistan.
Litigants, transparency and cooperation
The report further documents initiatives aimed at facilitating litigants, enhancing transparency, expanding international judicial cooperation and promoting a more responsive justice system. The document serves as an institutional record of the reform process, capturing both measurable achievements and the continuing work required to strengthen the efficiency, accessibility, predictability and responsiveness of justice delivery in Pakistan.
Recent apex court activity reflects the same institutional churn. The court barred the transfer of absorbed traffic wardens back to district police and granted bail to Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, suspending their sentences.
What does the report cover?
The period from November 2024 to September 2026, across case management, backlog reduction, digital transformation, institutional accountability and public access to justice.
What is the 86-point Reform Action Plan?
A structured programme of 86 reform actions, implemented through dedicated working groups, regular reviews and a formal governance mechanism.
What are Model Trial Courts?
They form part of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee’s initiatives for the time-bound disposal of prioritised cases.
Why has the report been released?
The Supreme Court says the document serves as an institutional record of the reform process, setting out both what has been achieved and the work still required.
Read more: Dawn
