In a significant move aimed at addressing case backlogs and ensuring quicker access to justice, the Peshawar High Court has decided to introduce a second shift of court proceedings in the session courts of Peshawar and Abbottabad. According to an official notification sent to judicial officers in both districts, courts will now operate beyond their traditional morning schedules to accommodate civil, rent, and family cases.
Under the new arrangement, courts in the two cities will function in the afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., specifically to deal with civil disputes, tenancy matters, and family cases. The decision reflects the judiciary’s growing concern over mounting case loads, which often leave litigants waiting months—or even years—for their hearings. By adding an extra session in the day, the courts hope to reduce delays and provide timely relief to citizens.
Legal experts view this initiative as a progressive step, particularly given the chronic backlog of cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s judicial system. Family disputes and rent-related cases are often highly sensitive and time-bound, requiring swift resolution. Introducing a second shift may help ease pressure on morning court schedules, where criminal trials and urgent petitions typically dominate proceedings.
The High Court’s directive also highlights its recognition of the need to innovate within existing resources. Instead of waiting for additional judges or infrastructure, the judiciary is reallocating time and manpower to maximize efficiency. Judicial officers in Peshawar and Abbottabad have been instructed to make arrangements for smooth functioning of the evening sessions.
Lawyers and litigants in the two districts have welcomed the move, though some have raised practical concerns. Extending working hours for court staff, security personnel, and lawyers themselves could present challenges. In addition, the success of the initiative will depend on consistent implementation and adequate facilities during the afternoon sessions.
Civil society activists argue that the move could set an example for other regions of Pakistan, where court congestion remains a major obstacle to justice. They stress that timely justice in family disputes—such as custody, divorce, and inheritance cases—can prevent prolonged suffering for women and children in particular. Rent disputes too often escalate into unnecessary confrontations when hearings are delayed.
The step also aligns with wider judicial reforms being considered nationwide, including digitization of case management, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and specialized benches for commercial and cybercrime matters. While second shifts alone cannot solve the structural problems of Pakistan’s judiciary, they represent a pragmatic attempt to bring relief to ordinary citizens within the current system.
With the initiative set to begin in the coming days, observers will be watching closely to see whether the evening court sessions in Peshawar and Abbottabad succeed in reducing backlogs and improving the delivery of justice. If proven effective, the model may be extended to other districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and possibly to other provinces as well.
