The Supreme Court of Pakistan has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regulating the foreign travel and leave of Supreme Court judges.

Issued through a General Standing Order by the Registrar’s Office, the policy mandates that all judges must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) before travelling abroad.

Under the new directive, the chief justice holds the authority to approve or deny leave requests and may recall a judge from leave if deemed necessary in the public interest.

The SOP further stipulates that judges must seek prior approval for all types of leave and provide a valid reason with their application.

Additionally, judges are required to submit their current address and contact details for the duration of their absence.

The document also clarifies that protocol requests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be made only for official visits.

This move is seen as an effort to ensure greater oversight and transparency in the conduct and availability of judges, particularly in light of their constitutional responsibilities.