# Judicial backlog management in Punjab

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/judicial-backlog-management-in-punjab
> Updated: 2026-10-30T12:36:43.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The Lahore High Court in Pakistan has initiated efforts to address significant judicial backlogs in Punjab. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has launched inquiries into over 500 pending cases involving the alleged abduction of girls, following the recovery of a teenager missing for two years. The court is also reviewing the effectiveness of committees dedicated to women and children, while reporting the resolution of 945 murder and capital sentence references over a 15-month period as part of broader judicial reforms.

In India, the Punjab state cabinet has approved the establishment of 35 special courts to expedite trials under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This measure aims to reduce a backlog of 52,577 pending drug cases, which currently take approximately eight years to reach a verdict. To support this initiative, the government has sanctioned ₹75 crore for infrastructure and approved 385 new positions, including judges and legal staff.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Punjab government approves 35 special courts to address drug case backlog

Punjab is establishing 35 special NDPS courts to tackle a backlog of over 52,000 drug cases and expedite trials.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-government-approves-35-special-courts-to-address-drug-case-backlog

### 2026-10-08: Lahore High Court addresses case backlogs in Punjab

The Lahore High Court is addressing judicial backlogs in Punjab, questioning police over 500 pending girl abduction cases and reporting the resolution of 945 murder and capital sentence references.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lahore-high-court-addresses-case-backlogs-in-punjab

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Cite as: Judicial backlog management in Punjab. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/judicial-backlog-management-in-punjab