ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday lifted the austerity measures it had imposed on March 10, 2026, due to disruptions in petroleum supplies amid the ongoing Iran-US conflict. On March 10, the apex court announced that the country ’ s courts would observe four-day work weeks. The situation continues to evolve, with further updates anticipated shortly.

Key Plays

Several key factors have contributed to the current state of affairs.

It further stated that the monthly ceiling of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants ( POL) allocated to judges and entitled officers should be reduced by 50 per cent.

A notification issued with the approval of the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi stated that the notification, dated March 10, 2026, has been withdrawn.

Reports further indicate that “ Accordingly, all austerity measures adopted in the declared notification shall cease to have effect from June 15, 2026, ” it added.

Top Performers

Reactions from key figures have helped frame what this development could mean.

The government had announced unprecedented austerity measures on March 9 in the wake of the Middle East war to deal with the international energy crisis, which had arisen due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In what observers are describing as a key detail, following the government ’ s announcement, institutions including the Supreme Court, the National Assembly, the Senate and others said they would follow suit.

Notably, nJPMC considers PHC, LHC ’ s proposals Earlier on Thursday, the 60th meeting of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee ( NJPMC), presided over by the chief justice, considered proposals from the Peshawar Significant Court ( PHC) and the Lahore Steep Court ( LHC), seeking reconsideration of the policy of observing three weekly holidays in the district judiciary.

The Stats

The broader implications of this development are already coming into focus.

The committee observed that the policy had been introduced under the Judicial Austerity and Energy Conservation Strategy approved by the NJPMC in its 58th meeting to promote prudent utilisation of resources and energy conservation.

Compounding the significance of these events, amid the meeting, the NJPMC appreciated the support of the federal government and considered the eased-out situation conveyed through the secretary of the law ministry, deciding that the district judiciary may revert to a six-day working week in accordance with the working schedule that existed prior to the implementation of the Judicial Austerity and Energy Conservation Strategy.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter indicate that the committee, however, urged the high courts to implement appropriate resource management and energy-saving measures while maintaining the smooth and uninterrupted administration of justice.

Next Up

This remains an active and fast-moving story. With significant stakes and wide-ranging implications, the next few days are expected to bring greater clarity on several outstanding questions.