The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued the Supreme Court Rules 2025, replacing the 1980 rules with immediate effect.
Framed under Article 191, the overhaul aims at modernisation, digitalisation, and clear procedures to speed up justice.
Supreme Court Rules 2025 bring e-filing, faster listings, and new appeal routes
A committee of Justices Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan, Naeem Akhter Afghan, and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi prepared the draft after consultations with judges and bar bodies.
The Full Court approved the final version.
The code spans seven parts, 38 orders, and six schedules, with around 280 provisions amended, 60 added, and five deleted.
The digital shift is central.
Along with parties must file all petitions and paper books electronically with scanned copies.
Similarly, notices, orders, certified copies, and pleadings will be issued digitally.
Courts now permit video link hearings, authenticate affidavits by Apostille, and require parties to share updated phone and email details.
In addition, the Court will not entertain judicial documents sent by post.
Access and efficiency improve. Parties can inspect records or get copies online or in person.
Similarly, the court must list urgent and interim-relief applications within 14 days or at the earliest possible date.
Consequently, SC registrar will enforce formats under the Sixth Schedule.
Court fees and legal aid are updated. Criminal petitions remain fee-exempt (except certified copies).
Habeas corpus and Article 184(3) criminal matters stay exempt. In death sentence cases, the Registrar may appoint state counsel with enhanced fees.
Appeals and reviews are clearer. Intra Court Appeals are introduced for Article 184(3) orders and contempt.
The court allows only one review per judgement and enforces higher security and penalties for frivolous filings.
The Supreme Court has formalised Constitutional Benches and recognised transfer applications under Article 186A and Section 25A of the Family Courts Act.
On the other hand, safeguards and conduct tighten practice.
Interlocutory appeals go to at least two judges; other appeals to no fewer than three.
In summary, paper books must reach law officers and respondents in advance.
Final details can be read at official site of Supreme Court of Pakistan.
For the full story on the May 9 case and the 10-year prison sentences, read here: May 9 case: Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mehmood ur Rasheed and Omar Sarfraz Cheema sentenced.
