ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) will finally start hearing cases from January 12, 2026, operating from its designated premises at the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) building on Constitution Avenue, even as renovation work continues there.
A reliable source familiar with the arrangements confirmed to Dawn that the court is gearing up to begin functioning on Monday despite ongoing refurbishments. This follows a Law Ministry notification issued on December 11, 2025, which outlined the temporary relocation: the FCC to the FSC building and the Federal Shariat Court shifting to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises.
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>In addition, the FCC is seriously considering the establishment of registry branches in all four provinces to facilitate the filing of cases and appeals by litigants closer to their homes.<a href=”https://t.co/tnUZ4rNETa”>https://t.co/tnUZ4rNETa</a></p>— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) <a href=”https://twitter.com/dawn_com/status/2009835400605638866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>January 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
The move ends months of uncertainty since the FCC’s establishment under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Initially housed temporarily in the IHC due to space issues and resistance from FSC judges to vacate quickly, the court now transitions to its intended home—complete with seven courtrooms and judges’ chambers that can be adapted as needed.
Key Highlights
- Hearings to start January 12 at FSC building amid ongoing renovations.
- FCC seriously considering branch registries in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta for easier case filing by litigants.
- Over 22,910 cases transferred from Supreme Court now cramped in IHC space, causing delays in notices and certified copies.
- Judicial Commission of Pakistan meeting on January 12 may discuss rules for appointing more FCC judges.
- Future plans include video-link facilities for hearings from provincial branches.
Addressing Logistical Challenges
The FCC currently has seven judges, with plans to expand to 13 over time. Litigants have faced hardships traveling to Islamabad for filings, where only limited space exists in the IHC. A senior lawyer, speaking anonymously, highlighted delays in serving notices due to manpower shortages and inadequate systems.
Establishing provincial branch registries—potentially using existing Supreme Court premises in the four provincial capitals—would require a presidential order, which sources indicate is imminent. This step aims to make constitutional justice more accessible across Pakistan.
Strengthening the New Apex Court
As the country’s top court for constitutional matters following the amendment, the FCC represents a major step in judicial restructuring. While initial teething problems persist, the relocation and proposed expansions signal steady progress toward a more efficient and inclusive framework.
The nation watches closely as this vital institution settles into its permanent home, poised to uphold constitutional values with greater reach and effectiveness.
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