ISLAMABAD: The Sup­­reme Court on Thursday introduced a comprehensi­­ve case categorisation fra­mework, a move the court said is aimed at facilitating litigants and strengthening the efficie­ncy of the justice sector as part of its digital reforms agenda.

The court approved three standardised lists for categorising civil, criminal and service cases to ensure consistency in filing and support improved, data-driven case management, according to a court announcement.

A mandatory, standardised filing template form was also approved to ac­­celerate the digitisation of court records and promote procedural efficiency.

To further streamline procedures, the template form containing essential case details must now be completed and submitted by an advocate-on-record or advocate of the Supreme Cou­­rt when filing any case.

Information on the form will be scrutinised by an institution officer and verified by a research officer to ensure its accuracy, completeness and conformity with the new framework.

The court said the de­­v­elopment of the new syst­­e­­m was a “consultative and participatory process” undertaken in collaboration with the Committee of Advocates-on-Record.

The finalised template “reflects the collective feedback and professional insight of the legal fraternity” following detailed deliberations, the announ­cement said.

Additionally, the Sup­re­­me Court is digitising its court files, a process expected to be completed by Dec 31. A digital portal for certified copies has been launched on a pilot basis, which will allow litigants and advocates to obtain copies online from any location once it is fully operational.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2025