Mammoth backlog

The growing backlog of cases in Pakistani courts has become a significant barrier to justice, leaving millions of citizens waiting years for resolutions. Over 2.3 million cases are currently pending in courts, with major cities like Karachi and Lahore alone reporting tens of thousands of cases each. This delay not only frustrates litigants but also erodes public trust in the judicial system. In criminal cases, individuals can spend years in prison awaiting trial, while civil and family matters drag on indefinitely, preventing timely justice and closure. To address this, the government must prioritise judicial reforms. Increasing the number of judges, improving case management systems, and implementing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods could reduce the burden on courts.

S Ramsha Abbas Rizvi

Karachi