SC restores full working schedule

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court has withdrawn its earlier austerity measures, restoring the full working schedule and reversing cuts in fuel allowances and security arrangements following approval by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi.

According to a notification issued after the chief justice's approval, the austerity policy introduced on March 10, 2026, will formally end from June 15, 2026, and all court operations will return to normal.

Under the earlier measures, the Supreme Court had reduced its working days to four (Monday to Thursday) as part of a cost-cutting initiative. However, with the withdrawal of the notification, the court will now resume its regular six-day working schedule from Monday to Saturday.

The March notification had also included a 50 percent reduction in the monthly petrol quota for judges and entitled officers, along with restrictions on the use of additional security and protocol vehicles in high-security zones.

The SC had also introduced staggered attendance of court staff to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. The court has now revoked all these measures and will operate under its standard procedures and schedules.

Officials said the reversal of austerity steps would ensure smoother functioning of judicial work and facilitate improved access to justice, as routine operations resume without restrictions.

The federal government on Wednesday extended a series of austerity measures until June 30 and allowed standalone grocery and general stores to remain open until 10pm, following a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

Earlier this month, the federal government relaxed business closing hours as part of revised energy conservation measures, citing rising temperatures and longer summer daylight hours.