Pakistan's Court System and Its Divisions
Table of Contents
- Supreme Court of Pakistan
- High Courts
- Federal Shariat Court
- District and Sessions Courts
- Specialized Courts and Tribunals
Supreme Court of Pakistan
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country. It serves as the final appellate court and has the power of judicial review. The Supreme Court hears appeals from the High Courts and other special courts, and it also has original jurisdiction in certain constitutional matters.
High Courts
Each province in Pakistan has its own High Court. There are four High Courts in the country:
- Lahore High Court: It has jurisdiction over Punjab province.
- Sindh High Court: It has jurisdiction over Sindh province.
- Peshawar High Court: It has jurisdiction over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as the Northwest Frontier Province) and the federally administered tribal areas.
- Balochistan High Court: It has jurisdiction over Balochistan province.
The High Courts have original and appellate jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters within their respective provinces. They also exercise writ jurisdiction and have the power of judicial review.
Federal Shariat Court
The Federal Shariat Court is a special court established to examine and decide cases involving Islamic law (Sharia). It has appellate jurisdiction over decisions made by lower courts on matters related to Islamic law and has the power of judicial review in such cases.
District and Sessions Courts
These courts are located at the district level throughout Pakistan. They have original jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases within their territorial jurisdiction. District and Sessions Courts are presided over by judges who have the authority to hear and decide cases.
Specialized Courts and Tribunals
Pakistan also has various specialized courts and tribunals that handle specific types of cases. Some examples include:
- Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs): ATCs are established to deal with cases related to terrorism and anti-terrorism laws.
- Banking Courts: These courts handle cases related to banking and financial matters.
- Labour Courts: Labour Courts deal with disputes between employers and employees regarding labor laws and employment contracts.
- Family Courts: Family Courts are responsible for resolving family disputes, including divorce, child custody, and inheritance matters.
- Income Tax Tribunals: These tribunals hear appeals against income tax assessments and decisions made by tax authorities.
It's important to note that this is a general overview, and there may be additional courts or changes to the court system since my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It's always recommended to consult the latest legal resources or consult a legal professional for specific and up-to-date information on the court system in Pakistan.
