The Supreme Court of Pakistan has set up a dedicated cell to assist the country’s diaspora in the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and other regions in pursuing legal cases directly with the apex court.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi ordered the immediate establishment of the Overseas Litigants Facilitation Cell (OLFC) to ensure overseas Pakistanis have timely and convenient access to justice.
The OLFC, based at the Supreme Court’s principal seat, will be supervised by the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the Chief Justice. According to an official statement, the cell will serve as a single contact point for overseas litigants, assisting within its legal framework.
To improve accessibility, the OLFC can be contacted via a dedicated WhatsApp number (+92 326 4442444, messages only) or through an online portal available on the Supreme Court’s website.
The facility applies only to matters under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and excludes cases that fall 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.
