The Need for E-Court Implementation in Pakistan (An Analysis of the Current State of Justice Delivery and The Role of Technology)

Abstract

Pakistan’s justice system has long struggled to deliver timely and efficient justice to its citizens. The growing backlog of cases has led to significant delays, eroding public trust and making it harder for people to access justice. As these challenges deepen, it has become evident that traditional court processes can no longer meet the needs of a modern, fast-paced society. In this context, the use of technology presents a promising opportunity to reform the justice system and make it more accessible and efficient. This paper explores the urgent need to introduce e-courts in Pakistan. The system that uses digital tools to transform how justice is delivered. It begins by examining the current challenges of the judiciary, such as case delays, inefficiencies, and lack of transparency. It then highlights how e-courts can help overcome these issues by digitizing records, reducing paperwork, and enabling remote hearings. With e-courts, litigants and lawyers can gain quicker access to information, ensuring greater accountability and transparency. Using a doctrinal research approach, this paper analyzes existing laws, judicial practices, and technological readiness to assess Pakistan’s capacity for e-court adoption. A comparative study with the United States shows that the success of e-courts depends not only on technology but also on strong legal frameworks, institutional support, and digital inclusion. The paper concludes that implementing e-courts is essential for building a faster and transparent justice system in Pakistan.