
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has released its new judges’ roster effective from March 2 to May 2, 2026, outlining the allocation of cases and the structure of benches for the upcoming two months. The roster, approved by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, aims to streamline case management across civil, criminal, and specialized legal matters. The announcement ensures clarity in case assignments and is expected to improve judicial efficiency during this period.
Under the new roster, the LHC will operate nine division benches at its principal seat, handling high-priority and complex cases, while 27 judges will work on single benches for regular appeals and cases. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum will lead a two-judge bench responsible for hearing all types of appeals, reflecting her oversight in managing the court’s critical docket. This structured approach allows the court to balance workload and ensure timely adjudication.
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Specialized benches have also been designated to address specific types of cases. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh and Justice Javed Iqbal Venus will hear tax and commercial appeals, providing focused expertise on financial and corporate matters. Meanwhile, National Accountability Bureau (NAB), anti-terrorism, and criminal appeals will be handled by a bench with Justice Shahbaz Rizvi and Justice Sardar Akbar Ali Dogar, ensuring experienced adjudication in sensitive legal areas.
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Civil appeals and cases related to murders will be heard by separate benches to maintain procedural efficiency. Justice Faisal Zaman Khan and Justice Chaudhry Iqbal will oversee civil appeals, while Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry will preside over murder and narcotics cases. Additionally, a bench led by Justice Farooq Haider will focus on narcotics appeals, while tax references will be managed by Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdoom and Justice Malik Awais Khalid, ensuring expertise in specialized legal matters.
The LHC’s new roster demonstrates the court’s commitment to structured and effective case management, aiming to reduce delays and improve access to justice. By clearly defining responsibilities and assigning cases to designated benches, the court ensures a more organized judicial process. Legal practitioners and litigants are advised to consult the updated roster for guidance on case hearings and bench assignments.
This roster update is expected to strengthen judicial efficiency and transparency in Lahore High Court proceedings, helping resolve civil, criminal, tax, and commercial matters promptly. Continued monitoring of bench performance will also allow for adjustments if necessary, supporting the overall goal of timely justice.