PM Empowers Supreme Court to Approve Its Own Projects

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the Supreme Court of Pakistan the authority to independently approve its own development projects, marking a significant step towards enhancing the institution’s administrative autonomy.

Under this decision, the apex court has been allowed to form its own Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP), which will be responsible for sanctioning projects with a cost of up to Rs1 billion. This eliminates the need for the law and justice ministry’s prior approval, which was earlier required under the Rules of Business, 1973.

Project Approval Structure

According to the national planning framework:

• DDWPs are empowered to approve projects up to Rs1 billion.

• Central Development Working Party (CDWP) can clear projects worth up to Rs7.5 billion.

• Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) reviews and sanctions projects exceeding that limit.

By allowing the Supreme Court to establish its own DDWP, the government has recognized the judiciary’s need for greater independence in managing infrastructure and administrative schemes.

Moratorium on New Projects

Despite this empowerment, a restriction currently exists. The National Economic Council (NEC) has imposed a moratorium on the approval of new development projects by all DDWPs. This measure was introduced to ensure fiscal discipline under the ongoing IMF programme. As a result, even though the Supreme Court now has the authority, it cannot practically sanction new projects until the moratorium is lifted.

The decision to ease the freeze rests solely with the NEC, which will review the situation depending on available financial space.

Significance of the Move

This development is being viewed as an important step in strengthening the institutional independence of the judiciary. It allows the Supreme Court to directly oversee the execution of its smaller-scale projects, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and reliance on the law ministry.

Officials suggest the move not only improves administrative efficiency but also acknowledges the judiciary’s role as an institution requiring modern infrastructure and self-governance mechanisms.

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