PHC CJ announces double shift court in Abbottabad to clear backlog

ABBOTTABAD: In a move to address judicial backlog, Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Syed Muhammad Atique Shah on Tuesday announced the establishment of a double shift court in Abbottabad.

This initiative aims to expedite justice for the nearly 250,000 cases currently pending across the province.

Speaking at a ceremony organized by the District Bar Association Abbottabad, the chief justice described the new court as a pilot project to enhance access to justice. “This system will not only benefit litigants awaiting justice but also lawyers by enabling faster case disposal,” he stated.

The event, attended by senior representatives from various bar associations, also served as a platform to address broader judicial reforms.

The chief justice said that Rs6.25 billion had been allocated for development projects in 17 district bars. These projects will include facilities such chambers for women lawyers, water filtration plants and solar power systems.

He highlighted the critically low conviction rate in criminal cases across the country, which stood at 7-8 percent. He noted that prior to his visit, he met the Regional Police Officer to discuss improvements to the investigation process.

A five-member bench in Peshawar was reviewing suggestions to strengthen the criminal justice system.

The chief justice cited the success of double-shift courts in countries like India and Turkey as evidence of the model’s effectiveness. He assured the legal community that he would personally address the bar’s concerns about infrastructure, including parking facilities and the timely completion of the Abbottabad Judicial Complex.

During the ceremony, District Bar Association president Imran Younas Tanoli and Secretary Asad Khan highlighted the bar’s history and ongoing issues, receiving assurances of the judiciary’s full support.