Judges’ vacant posts at ATC, narcotics courts delay thousands of cases in Sindh

The judicial system in Sindh is facing serious delays as 11 posts of judges at Special Narcotics Courts and eight posts of judges at Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) have been vacant for a long time, resulting in thousands of pending cases across the province.

According to sources, several Anti-Terrorism Courts in different districts of Sindh, including Sukkur and Naushahro Feroze, are currently without judges. The absence of judicial appointments has significantly slowed down the hearing of terrorism-related cases.

Similarly, 11 posts of judges at Special Narcotics Courts across Sindh are also vacant, including the narcotics court in Sukkur. These courts operate at the divisional level and are responsible for hearing drug-related cases from multiple districts.

Vacancies have been reported in courts located in Kandhkot, Dadu, Jacobabad and other districts, creating additional pressure on the already burdened judicial system.

Sources revealed that six seats of Anti-Terrorism Court judges are also vacant in Karachi, which has further complicated the handling of sensitive cases.

Legal experts say the prolonged vacancies have led to thousands of pending cases, causing delays in justice and raising concerns about the effectiveness of the judicial process in dealing with terrorism and narcotics-related offenses.

They have urged the authorities concerned to immediately appoint judges to the vacant posts to ensure timely disposal of cases and improve the functioning of the courts across the province.