Pakistan’s first paperless digital court is now formally open at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), marking a turning point for how justice is delivered in the country. Federal Constitutional Court Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan inaugurated the Smart Paperless Digital Court at the IHC on Wednesday. IHC Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar was also present, and the court was set up in Courtroom No. 1 as part of efforts to modernize judicial processes and promote digitalization.
What Is the Paperless Digital Court at IHC?
This is not just a surface-level upgrade. The IHC has converted its Chief Justice’s courtroom into a fully digital space where paper files are no longer the default. Proceedings in the court have gone completely paperless, with hearings now starting on screens installed in the courtroom, backed by case management systems, online hearings, and digital records.
What makes this stand out is that the technology was not bought off the shelf or outsourced to a vendor. The project was completed by the IHC Registrar’s Office and developed by the court’s own IT Department under the supervision of in-charge Umar Rashid Dar and his team, on the directions of the Chief Justice. Building it in-house means the court retains full control over the system and can adapt it as needs grow.
What Lawyers and Litigants Must Do Now
The change has real and immediate effects for anyone dealing with the IHC. The IHC has mandated that all new cases filed before it must be accompanied by a complete digital copy of the case file, with immediate effect. The concerned party or counsel must submit a complete, legible, and properly arranged digital copy of the case file in the prescribed electronic format, alongside the original documents and prescribed paper books at the time of filing.
So for now, lawyers still bring paper, but a full digital copy is required on top of that. This is the transition phase. As the system matures, physical paper is expected to be phased out further.
Islamabad Prosecutor General Manzoor Jajja said the adoption of modern technology would help make case proceedings more transparent and expeditious, adding that lawyers and litigants are being provided with online access to judicial information.
The legal community appears to be on board. Lawyers in Islamabad welcomed the move, with the bar saying that promotion of technology was an important step towards bringing the administration of justice in line with modern requirements.
Public Wi-Fi and a New Media Centre Too
The paperless digital court was not the only thing launched that day. Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan also inaugurated a public Wi-Fi facility at the IHC building, and the service has been made available for lawyers and litigants at the court premises. Free Wi-Fi at the court is a practical step that helps people access online case files and digital services while they wait.
The IHC also inaugurated a new Media Centre on the same occasion, with IHC Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar saying that the media remained free to criticize or praise the judiciary as it sees fit, and that the facility was being set up to support a free press.
Part of a Bigger Push Across Pakistan’s Courts
This development comes as Pakistan’s superior courts continue to expand their digital services. The IHC is not moving alone. Earlier, the Supreme Court of Pakistan signed an agreement with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for hosting, backend infrastructure, technical support, and maintenance of its website and mobile application. These platforms provide access to cause lists, judgments, and other authorized judicial information, making court services more accessible to lawyers, litigants, and the public.
Together, these moves signal that Pakistan’s top courts are no longer treating digital tools as optional extras. They are becoming the foundation of how courts will run going forward. For a country where case backlogs have long been a serious problem, faster and more organised digital case management could make a real difference over time.
Pakistan’s tech sector and IT professionals will also find this relevant. Courts adopting case management platforms, digital filing systems, and in-house-built software represent a growing demand for legal tech solutions locally. It is a space worth watching as more courts look to follow the IHC’s lead. For more on how Pakistan’s tech and digital sectors are developing, see our coverage of the P@SHA leadership election and its role in shaping Pakistan’s IT direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IHC paperless digital court?
It is Pakistan’s first fully digital courtroom, set up in Courtroom No. 1 of the Islamabad High Court. It uses screens, a digital case management system, and online hearings instead of paper files. The IHC IT Department built the system in-house on the instructions of the Chief Justice.
Who inaugurated the Smart Paperless Digital Court?
Federal Constitutional Court Chief Justice Justice Aminuddin Khan inaugurated the Smart Paperless Digital Court at the Islamabad High Court. IHC Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar and other judges were also present at the ceremony.
Do lawyers still need to submit paper files at the IHC?
For now, yes. Lawyers must submit a complete digital copy of the case file in the prescribed electronic format alongside the original documents and prescribed paper books at the time of filing. The digital copy is now mandatory for all new cases, and paper use is expected to reduce further as the system develops.
What does this mean for court efficiency in Pakistan?
Islamabad Prosecutor General Manzoor Jajja said the use of modern technology would help make judicial proceedings more transparent and expedite the disposal of cases. Digital records and online hearings remove delays caused by lost files, manual searches, and the need for physical presence, which should help clear case backlogs over time. The official IHC website is the best place to follow updates on the e-court system and digital filing requirements.
