LHC introduces four-day workweek in courts across Punjab

LAHORE, Mar 11 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) has introduced a four-day working week for the high court and district courts across Punjab in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and expenditures.

According to a notification issued by the Registrar with the approval of Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, here on Wednesday, regular court proceedings will now be held from Monday to Thursday.

The notification states that the decision aims to ensure fuel savings and a reduction in official expenses. Courts at the LHC principal seat and benches will function normally from Monday to Thursday, while administrative offices will operate with 50 percent staff on a rotation basis.

The Urgent Cell will also remain operational from Monday to Thursday with 50 percent staff for the registration of new cases. On Fridays and Saturdays, 10 percent staff will be available to handle emergency matters. Security personnel and sanitation staff will remain on duty round the clock from Monday to Saturday.

For district courts across Punjab, normal judicial work will continue from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, 25 percent of courts and staff at district headquarters will work on a rotational basis. At the tehsil level, a duty judge will be assigned to hear emergency matters.

The notification also announced a reduction in POL (Petrol, Oil and Lubricants) allowances. Fuel allowances for judges of the Lahore High Court will be reduced by 50 percent, while those for judicial officers and district judiciary judges will be cut by 25 percent.

New instructions regarding protocol and security arrangements have also been issued, stating that no additional protocol or security vehicles will be deployed during movement in high-security zones, although relevant authorities will ensure necessary route security.