SC Launches OLFC for Pakistanis Abroad

ISLAMABAD – While taking a significant step toward improving access to justice for Pakistanis living abroad. In a move aimed at addressing the long-standing challenges faced by overseas litigants, the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has announced and immediate establishment of the Overseas Litigants Facilitation Cell (OLFC).

This new initiative, based at the Principal Seat of the Supreme Court, is designed to serve as a dedicated resource for individuals residing outside Pakistan who have pending cases before the nation’s highest court. The OLFC will be managed by the Principal Staff Officer to the Chief Justice, ensuring a direct and streamlined approach to handling these matters.

On the complaint portal of the Supreme Court of Pakistan an Overseas Anti-Corruption Hotline has also been establish.

The creation of the OLFC comes in recognition of the difficulties overseas litigants often encounter, including logistical hurdles and delays in securing timely and convenient access to the legal system. By providing a centralized point of contact, the Supreme Court aims to bridge the geographical gap and ensure that distance does not stand in the way of justice.

How the OLFC Will Work

For the purpose of this new facility, an “overseas litigant” is defined as any person living abroad, regardless of their nationality, who has the right to approach the Supreme Court. The OLFC’s mandate is specifically focused on cases under the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and will not handle matters belonging to other courts.

The cell’s primary functions include:

Digital Submission: Facilitating the submission of petitions, applications, and grievances through digital platforms.
Expedited Hearings: Processing requests for early hearings of cases before the Supreme Court.
Case Updates: Providing electronic case updates and certified copies of court orders.
Record Keeping: Maintaining a digital record of all processed matters and submitting regular reports to the Chief Justice.

To ensure easy access, the OLFC can be reached through a dedicated WhatsApp number, +92 326 4442444, which is for messages only. Additionally, an online portal has been made available on the official website of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

This initiative underscores the judiciary’s commitment to modernizing the legal system and making it more accessible to all citizens, no matter where they are located. The OLFC is a direct response to the needs of the overseas Pakistani community, offering a new avenue for them to effectively pursue their legal rights from abroad.