Model courts dispose of 12,000 cases in a month

RAWALPINDI: Model courts established across Punjab, including Rawalpindi, on the instructions of Lahore High Court Chief Justice Alia Neelam, have disposed of more than 12,000 cases in a single month.

The model courts delivered exemplary performance in October this year, deciding 12,275 cases — a development that has not only reduced the backlog but also further strengthened the confidence of lawyers and litigants in the justice system. According to monthly report, criminal model courts decided 1,072 cases last month, including 115 murder cases, 376 drug-related cases, and several cases involving illegal possession. Meanwhile, the appellate model courts of additional district judges issued decisions in 292 civil, family, supervisory and other appeals. Model civil and magisterial courts disposed of a total of 10,911 cases. Model civil courts decided 2,162 cases in October, including regular civil, family, guardian, rent and other civil matters, while model magistrate courts concluded 8,749 cases, including first-class offences, Section 30 cases, and minor crimes. According to the spokesperson, the benefits of establishing model courts across Punjab are directly reaching the public. The success is attributed to comprehensive judicial reforms, a modern case management system, and the effective monitoring of the Lahore High Court, enabling all model courts to ensure timely and quality decisions by strictly adhering to hearing schedules. This performance, the spokesperson added, reflects the success of modern judicial reforms, the case management system, active monitoring, and a transparency-driven strategy implemented by the Lahore High Court. Justice Alia Neelam has appreciated the performance of model courts, reiterating that providing prompt and quality justice remains the judiciary’s top priority. She affirmed that efforts to modernise the judicial system will continue with the same momentum. Separately, the Punjab Bar Council has suspended the practicing licence of Rawalpindi lawyer Ishtiaq Ahmed Mirza. The action was taken on the recommendation of the council’s Disciplinary Committee, following complaints that Mirza had misused his position and influence at various forums. He had previously submitted an undertaking after receiving a warning from the Bar Council. However, after violating the undertaking, the council suspended his licence and notified the District and Sessions Judge Rawalpindi, Senior Civil Judge Rawalpindi, and the President of the District Bar Association Rawalpindi.