SC establishes a cell to facilitate foreign litigants

The Chief Justice of Pakistan has taken note of the issue and, with immediate effect, created the Overseas Litigants Facilitation Cell (OLFC) in recognition of the challenges faced by foreign litigants in obtaining prompt and comfortable access to justice.

According to a press release, the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s Principal Staff Officer (PSO) will oversee the OLFC, which is housed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Principal Seat.

Within the broad confines of its authority, it is intended to act as a dedicated point of contact, offering overseas litigants the support and facilitation they require.

For convenience, the OLFC can be contacted via an online gateway on the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s official website and a special WhatsApp number (+92 326 4442444, messages only).

The facility does not cover situations that come under the exclusive jurisdiction of other courts; it is only meant for Supreme Court-related concerns.

Any litigant living overseas, regardless of nationality, who has the right to petition the Supreme Court of Pakistan is considered a “Overseas Litigant” for the purposes of the OLFC.

As permitted by law and regulations, the OLFC will: Make it easier for petitions, applications, and grievances to be submitted online.

Make it easier for the Supreme Court of Pakistan to process requests for an early hearing.

Provide case updates and make it easier to obtain electronic certified copies of orders.

Keep a computerised record of every case you handle, along with its resolutions, and send the Chief Justice of Pakistan regular updates.

In particular, the OLFC will handle ongoing cases involving foreign litigants that fall under the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s appellate authority. It will not in any way consider cases that belong to other courts.

This program demonstrates the judiciary’s dedication to making sure that distance does not impede access to justice and that foreign litigants can successfully defend their rights before the Pakistani Supreme Court.