On the directives of Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, the Lahore High Court Leave Rules 2025 have been enforced, replacing the amended Leave Rules of 1981 across the Lahore High Court and Punjab’s district judiciary.
The rules were framed under Articles 208 and 203 of the Constitution of Pakistan, presented before the provincial cabinet, and subsequently approved by the Governor of Punjab.
According to the new policy, judicial officers, officers and staff of the Lahore High Court, and employees of the district judiciary may now avail improved leave facilities for foreign travel without disrupting judicial work. They will be able to utilize summer and winter vacations to meet relatives and perform religious obligations such as Umrah and Ziarat. Additionally, special leave may be applied for during Ramadan for Umrah and in Muharram for Ziarat.
Official data shows that in 2025 so far, 354 judicial officers and court employees have been granted ex-Pakistan leave for recreational, educational, family, and religious purposes including Hajj, Umrah, and Ziarat. In comparison, 183 officers and staff were granted leave in 2023 and 230 in 2024.
Since assuming charge, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has facilitated judicial officers and employees in meeting family members and performing religious duties, while ensuring that judicial work remains unaffected.