SC advances digital transformation to strengthen Justice delivery

ISLAMABAD, Jul 13 (APP): The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in its ongoing programme of institutional modernization by integrating technology across its judicial and administrative functions to build a comprehensive digital justice ecosystem.

Through a series of interconnected reforms, the Court is transforming the way cases are managed, judicial services are delivered and institutional processes are administered, with the objective of making justice more accessible, transparent, efficient and responsive.

A cornerstone of this transformation is the successful completion of the digitization of all pending case records. A total of 44,995 pending case files have been scanned in searchable OCR format, barcoded, digitally catalogued and integrated with the Court’s Case Information Management System (CIMS).

Significantly, the digitization exercise was completed alongside the Court’s regular judicial work, during which 11,999 of these digitized cases have already been decided, demonstrating the seamless integration of technology into the Court’s day-to-day judicial operations.

Complementing the digitization initiative, the Supreme Court has also completed, for the first time in its history, the categorization of all pending cases under a structured case categorization framework developed by a Committee of Judges. Supported by a dedicated Categorization Cell, every pending case has been systematically classified according to its jurisdiction and subject matter, creating the foundation for smarter case management, data-driven planning, efficient scheduling and priority-based allocation of judicial resources.

The Court’s digital transformation extends well beyond the digitization of records. A range of technology-enabled services have been introduced, including electronic filing of cases, QR-authenticated certified copies, online applications for judicial services, digital enrollment of advocates, electronic payment of court fees through OneLink and the State Bank of Pakistan, institutionalized video-link hearings, and a Public Facilitation Centre offering 35 citizen-centric digital services through an integrated online platform. These initiatives have significantly enhanced convenience, reduced physical barriers and improved public access to the Court’s services.

The digital transformation has also strengthened institutional governance. Administrative functions have transitioned to the Government’s e-Office platform, enabling paperless processing of official business, improving operational efficiency, enhancing accountability and promoting transparent institutional management.

Together, these initiatives represent a fundamental shift from conventional paper-based processes to an integrated digital ecosystem that supports efficient case management, data-driven decision-making and citizen-centric service delivery. The reforms have established the technological infrastructure necessary for future innovations, including automated case management, judicial analytics and the responsible integration of emerging technologies into judicial administration.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan remains committed to leveraging technology to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the administration of justice while upholding the constitutional values of fairness, transparency, due process and judicial independence.