The Lahore High Court (LHC) has introduced a province-wide video-link facility in district and ex-cadre courts to modernize judicial processes and expedite case disposal.
The initiative has been launched on the directives of LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum.
According to an LHC press release issued on Thursday, litigants and lawyers can request video-link hearings by submitting an online form from the district judiciary’s website at least seven days before the hearing.
The facility aims to provide faster, more convenient access to justice while reducing the need for physical appearances.
The service is available to individuals unable to appear in person due to illness, disability, distance, travel issues, or security concerns. Proclaimed offenders are barred from using the option.
Once approved, courts will schedule a video-link hearing, and the cause list will carry a “video-link” tag. No adjournments will be granted on the hearing day.
Litigants must ensure the witness’s presence one hour before proceedings. Identity will be verified through CNIC or passport, along with biometric checks.
For disabled litigants, a judicial officer may visit their location for verification, with costs borne by the applicant. Overseas litigants may join through Pakistan’s embassies or authorised notaries, subject to court approval.
The LHC said all video-link hearings will take place in a secure environment. Only the court may record proceedings, while unauthorized recording is prohibited.
Applicants must provide a USB or external hard drive for official recording, which will become part of the case file.
The LHC expects the reform to improve access to justice, cut delays, and make court services more citizen-friendly across Punjab.