Supreme Court announces 2026 summer vacations

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) has officially issued the notification for its summer holidays for the upcoming year, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.

According to the notification, the Supreme Court will observe summer vacations from June 15, 2026, to September 14, 2026.

Despite the recess, the Supreme Court's offices will remain open during this period, and important or urgent cases may still be scheduled for hearings.

This continuity ensures that essential judicial services remain available even while the court is technically on break.

It is noteworthy that on May 10, 2025, the Supreme Court reduced the duration of its summer break in a bid to tackle the mounting backlog of cases.

SC reduced its 2025 summer vacation by one month, with a new commencement date of June 16, 2025, and a resumption date of September 8, 2025.

This reduction allows judges to work for 15 days during the vacation period, ensuring continuous access to justice and reducing the case backlog.

The Chief Justice directed judges to take only one month of summer vacation, reducing the typical period.

A press release issued by the SC public relations officer stated, “In an important move to reduce the backlog of cases, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, exercising powers under Rule 4 of Order II of the Supreme Court Rules, 1980, has been pleased to announce a reduction in summer vacation and fixed Monday, 16th June 2025, as the commencement date of the summer vacation. The Court is scheduled to resume its regular functioning on Monday, 8th September 2025.

In view of the pressing need to address pending cases, the Chief Justice has directed that Hon’ble Judges shall avail only one month of summer vacation and to communicate the specific dates of their intended leave. Additionally, the Hon’ble Judges are being requested to indicate a period of 15 days during which they would be available to work at a station of their choice, with the remaining days to be spent at the Principal Seat in Islamabad."

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori