District courts are the first step in the judicial process in Pakistan. However, recent reports show that this door to justice is itself plagued by severe challenges.
⚖️ 1. A Mountain of Cases — Backlog Out of Control
According to Lahore High Court monitoring, over 1.4 million cases are pending in Punjab’s district courts alone, including around 1.19 million civil and 217,000 criminal cases (Dawn.com).
The Law & Justice Commission reported that 2.26 million cases were pending between July and December 2023, with 82% of them stuck in district courts (TheFridayTimes.com).
Although 2.3 million cases were disposed of, even more new cases were filed during the same period, increasing the burden on the courts.
🏚 Failing Security and Basic Infrastructure
In Rawalpindi, security systems such as CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and walkthrough gates in courts have been non-functional for months. The shortage of security staff further increases the risk to judges, lawyers, and litigants (Tribune.com.pk).
Islamabad's courts are facing a water crisis, as electricity to the PWD water tube well has been cut off, leaving the judiciary, staff, lawyers, and visitors struggling without water (Tribune.com.pk).
🏗️ Poor Court Facilities and Unequal Priorities
In Punjab-Haryana (India), the High Court called the deplorable condition of subordinate courts a form of judicial contempt. For example, courts in Dera Bassi operate in dilapidated buildings, while nearby administrative offices are in excellent condition (TheLegalAffair.com).
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum of the Lahore High Court has announced the construction of Judicial Towers, aiming to bring all courts under one roof, with separate bar rooms and daycare centers for female lawyers (Dawn.com, Tribune.com.pk).
🧾 Corruption, Lack of Transparency, and Political Pressure
According to Transparency International Pakistan, corruption is widespread in courts: 33% of issues involve court staff, 23% involve public prosecutors, and 12% involve judges (Wikipedia).
Political interference in judicial appointments and decisions undermines judicial independence and weakens public trust (VoiceOfLaw.pk).
🧍♀️ Barriers for Vulnerable Groups
Women, senior citizens, and disabled individuals face serious challenges due to lack of proper facilities—no separate seating, no ramps, no assistive support at courts.
⭐ Reform Proposals & Government Measures
IssueRecommendationCase backlogIncrease number of judges, implement case load caps (e.g., 500 cases per judge) (AdvocateTanmoy.com).Infrastructure deficiencyBuild new court halls, waiting areas, install water, light, ventilation systems.SecurityFully restore CCTV, metal detectors, and increase dedicated police staff for courts.Transparency & accountabilityEnable online case tracking, fair recruitment, public complaint systems, and transparency in CCTV monitoring.Training & capacity-buildingOngoing training for judges and staff in ethics, technology, case management (LinkedIn).Facilities for vulnerable groupsProvide separate bar rooms for women, seating for elderly, and ramps for disabled individuals.
✅ Conclusion
The current state of Pakistan’s district courts is alarming—delayed justice, corruption, poor security, and collapsing infrastructure.
Only through concrete reforms—such as faster trials, modern court buildings, judicial independence, digital transparency, and inclusive services—can the public receive timely, dignified, and fair justice.
This is not just a demand; it is a constitutional right and a moral necessity for a just society.
