Categories Courts

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.

Author

Khudayar Mohla, Managing Partner Mohla & Mohla, Founder of the Law Today Pakistan,

Managing Partner at Mohla & Mohla - Advocates and Legal Consultants, Islamabad, Founder of The Law Today Pakistan (TLTP) Newswire Service. Former President Press Association of Supreme Court of Pakistan with over two decades of coverage of defining judicial moments - including the dissolution and restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Asif Ali Zardari NAB cases, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani contempt proceedings, Panama Papers case against Mian Nawaz Sharif, matters involving Imran Khan, and the high treason trial of former Army Chief and President Pervez Musharraf. He now practises law and teaches Jurisprudence, International Law, Civil and Criminal Law. Can be reached at: mohla@lawtoday.com.pk

More From Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Lahore High Court, LHC, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, NCCIA, Syed Khurram Ali, Khudayar Mohla, social media campaign, judiciary defamation, cybercrime Pakistan, PTA Pakistan, YouTube, X Twitter, Facebook, Siyasi Dera, Mitha Gee, Ihsanullah Chattha, online harassment, FIR registration, lawyer petition, Pakistani judiciary, protecting judiciary, judicial integrity, online regulation, digital evidence, Nadra facial recognition, freedom of expression Pakistan, Pakistani courts news, Khudayar Mohla

NCCIA Arrests Eight Over Derogatory Social Media Campaign Against LHC Judges

LAHORE: Appearing before the Lahore High Court on Thursday, a top official of the National…

Khudayar Mohla, Judicial Commission of Pakistan, JCP meeting 2026, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Islamabad High Court judges, Balochistan High Court judges, ad-hoc judges Pakistan, Justice Ayub Khan, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, IHC judge appointments, BHC judge appointments, JCP confirmation, Pakistani judiciary news, judge competency controversy, Supreme Court Pakistan, judicial appointments Pakistan, SHC judge appointments, judicial policy Pakistan, Judicial Commission rules 2024

JCP Approves 4 Ad-Hoc Judges for IHC and BHC; One Appointment Declined

ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, approved four…

Khudayar Mohla, Supreme Court of Pakistan, SCBA Pakistan, Advocates-on-Record, AOR facilitation center, litigant facilitation Pakistan, access to justice Pakistan, court service delivery, legal aid Pakistan, efficient justice system, transparency in courts

SCBA Inaugurates AOR & Litigant Facilitation Center at SC – AORs Urge Leadership to Review Facility Standards for Smooth Operations

ISLAMABAD: As part of on-going reforms aimed at strengthening service delivery and enhancing access to…