SC establishes Special Cell to assist Overseas Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has set up a dedicated cell to assist the country’s expatriates in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and other regions in pursuing legal cases directly with the apex court.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has ordered the immediate establishment of an Overseas Litigation Facilitation Cell (OLFC) to ensure timely and easy access to justice for overseas Pakistanis.

The OLFC, set up at the principal seat of the Supreme Court, will be overseen by the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Chief Justice. According to an official statement, the cell will act as a single point of contact for overseas litigation within its legal framework.

To improve accessibility, the OLFC can be contacted through a dedicated WhatsApp number (+92 326 4442444, messages only) or an online portal available on the Supreme Court’s website.

This facility applies only to matters falling within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and does not include cases falling under other courts.

Relief for Overseas Pakistanis

Legal disputes, particularly property-related issues, have long posed difficulties for the Pakistani diaspora. With nearly 1.7 million nationals in the UAE, 4.7 million across GCC countries, and around 10 million worldwide, the initiative is expected to provide much-needed support.

As per the rules, the OLFC will:

• Allow digital submission of petitions, applications, and grievances.
• Assist in processing requests for early hearings before the Supreme Court.
• Provide electronic case updates and certified copies of orders.
• Maintain digital records of all processed matters and submit reports to the Chief Justice.

The Supreme Court clarified that the OLFC will only handle pending cases under its appellate jurisdiction and will not entertain matters falling within the domain of lower courts.