1-Where is the Supreme Court of Pakistan based?

The Supreme Court of Pakistan operates from its Principal Seat in Islamabad, as well as from four other Branch Registries spread throughout the country, namely:

Principal Seat – Islamabad
Constitution Avenue, Islamabad
📞 +92 51 92 205 81
Branch Registry – Lahore
Nabba Road, Near G.P.O., Lahore
📞 +92 42 99 212 401
Branch Registry – Karachi
M.R. Kayani Road, Opposite Shaheen Complex, Karachi
📞 +92 21 99 212 306
Branch Registry – Peshawar
Khyber Road, Opposite P.C. Hotel, Peshawar
📞 +92 91 92 136 01
Branch Registry – Quetta
Balochistan High Court Building, Quetta
📞 +92 81 92 013 68

2-What facilities do exist within the Supreme Court (Islamabad)?

Islamabad has the Principal Seat, which has the following facilities:

• Post Office
• Bank ATM
• Photocopy and Binding Services
• Law Books Shop
• Cafeteria
• Stamp Dealer

3-What are the required documents at the Supreme Court?

To get in on the court premises, you may require:

• Original CNIC
• Case fixation notice (in case issued by the Court)

4-What are the Supreme Court office hours?

• Monday to Saturday (except Friday) 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 Noon

5-What is the case filing time?

• Monday to Saturday (except Friday): 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM – 11:00

6-Does the Supreme Court hold sessions on Saturdays?

Generally, no. Saturdays are fixed for judgment writing. However, the office is also open for routine business.

7-Is the Supreme Court open during vacations?

Yes. However, the Court offices are operational even during the summer and winter vacations, except on Sundays and public holidays.

8-How do I file a case with an advocate?

You are required to hire an Advocate-on-Record (AOR) who needs to be enrolled with the Supreme Court. The Advocate-on-Record, in turn, may hire an Advocate of the Supreme Court for preparing cases, subject to the Supreme Court Rules, 1980.

9-Can I file a case without a lawyer?

Yes. Petitions and appeals can also be made in person in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules of 1980.

10-Through which mechanisms can I pursue relief in civil matters?

Applicants can access the Supreme Court through the following ways:

• Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal (Article 185(3)) – within 60 days
• Civil Appeal (Article 185(2)) – within 30 days
• Appeals under Article 212 (Service Tribunal cases)
• Appeals under other relevant laws within prescribed time limits

11-Through which legal means can one pursue relief in criminal matters?

There are available options which are

• Criminal Petition for Leave to Appeal (Article 185(3))
• Criminal Appeal (Article 185(2
• Jail Petition
• Appeals related to contempt of court
• (All within 30 days from the judgment by the High Court)

12-How do I make a case under Fundamental Rights?

Any individual may file the Constitution Petition as provided for in Article 184(3), in cases involving subjects of public import. ⏳ No time limit applies.

13-What is my procedure for approaching the Supreme Court in Shariat matters?

Appeals/Petitions can be filed against the decisions of the Federal Shariat Court under Article 203-F within the designated time frames: 30-60 days, depending on the matter.

14-Can Supreme Court decisions be appealed?

Yes. A Review Petition can be filed under Article 188 in which a security deposit of Rs.10,000 is required.

15-How is the review security amount refunded?

“The security amount is refunded”

• To petitioner if granted
• To respondents
• To the respondent if contested and dismissed
• A refund request application must be filed.

16-After the decision on the review petition, can there be any relief?

No. There is no further relief available after the decision of the review petition.

17-Whether an inter-provincial transfer in the case of a family is possible.

Yes. The Civil Miscellaneous Application can be filed on the basis of the Family Courts Act, 1964.

18-In case of non-compliance with any order of the Supreme Court,

Contempt Petition may also be filed under Article 204 of the Indian Constitution.
⏳ There is no time limit.

19-On what grounds may the Registrar withhold the acceptance of a
Yes, if the petition:

• Violates Supreme Court Rules
• Is fanciful
• Involves scandalous information

20-What happens if my petition is rejected by the Registrar?

You can file a Miscellaneous Appeal within 14 days and will be adjudicated by a Judge in Chambers.

21-What relief is provided to convicted persons?

They may file:

• Jail Petition through jail authorities
• Criminal Petition for Leave to Appeal through an Advocate-on-Record

22-Is free legal aid provided?

YES, in limited circumstances, including:

• Death penalty cases
• In the following cases, the Court requires state-provided counsel:

23-What is the court fee for Supreme Court cases?

These court fees are prescribed under the Third Schedule of Supreme Court Rules, 1980, as follows:

• Leave to Appeal: Rs.250
• Review Petition: Half of original fee
• Certification of copies, affidavits, and/or applications: Nominal

24-Does the Supreme Court give legal advice?

No. Legal advice can only be obtained from lawyers or law firms.

25-What if I cannot afford an attorney?

You can approach Free Legal Aid Committees of Bar Associations for assistance.

26-Does the Supreme Court recommend lawyers

No.

27-Is the Supreme Court involved in mediation services?

No.

28-Can I choose the Judge who will try my case?

No. The judges are assigned by the court.

29-Are Supreme Court hearings open to the public?

Yes. Trials can be seen by the general public.

30-Where can I get certified copies of judgments?

Form: Apply at the Information Desk using prescribed forms and required court fee.

31-Who is eligible for obtaining certified copies of case documents?

• Parties to the case
• Hardy and
• Non-parties, for valid reasons, with prescribed fees

32-How can non-Islamabad residents obtain certified copies?

They can apply from a Branch Registry office present in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, or Quetta.

33-What is the cost of Certified Copies?

Rs.5 court fee per document

34-What is the Human Rights Cell of the Supreme Court?

It deals with complaints concerning the infringement of basic rights, mostly for the poor and disadvantaged. 35. In what manner should I contact the Human Rights Cell? Applications can also be sent through postal means to the Supreme Court Human Rights Cell.

35-How can I approach the Human Rights Cell?

Applications can be submitted by post to the Supreme Court Human Rights Cell.