Islamabad High Court Announces Winter Vacations 24 Dec to 8 Jan

Islamabad High Court Announces Winter Vacations From December 24 to January 8

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) — The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has officially announced 15 days of winter vacations, scheduled to begin from December 24, 2025, and continue until January 8, 2026. The notification, issued by Registrar Muhammad Yar Wulana, received formal approval from Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, marking the annual judicial break during the peak winter season.

According to the notification, all regular court proceedings will remain suspended throughout the winter holidays. However, essential judicial functions concerning urgent matters, bail petitions, and fixed cases will continue as per standard protocol to ensure that litigants requiring immediate justice do not face unnecessary delays.

Supreme Court Also Announces Winter Break

The Islamabad High Court’s announcement comes shortly after the Supreme Court of Pakistan released its own winter vacations schedule. The Supreme Court will remain closed from December 18 to December 31, 2025, and is set to resume regular operations on January 1, 2026.

Despite the break, the Supreme Court clarified that its offices will remain open, and hearing benches for emergency matters will function as usual. This ensures the continuity of judicial services for cases requiring immediate attention, a policy that has been consistently followed during previous winter recesses.

Purpose of Winter Vacations in Courts

Winter vacations in higher courts across Pakistan are part of a long-standing judicial tradition. These breaks are intended to provide judges, legal staff, and administrative personnel with a much-needed rest period after months of demanding caseloads. The harsh winter conditions in many regions also make it challenging for court visitors, lawyers, and staff to commute, further justifying the seasonal pause.

In addition to offering relaxation and family time to judicial officers, winter vacations are also utilized for administrative reviews, record updates, and internal assessments within the court system. Many legal practitioners also use this period to prepare for pending cases, organize documentation, or settle procedural matters before court sessions resume.

Vacations Across the Judicial Spectrum

The announcement from the Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court indicates the beginning of winter closures across Pakistan’s judicial system. Other high courts and lower courts traditionally follow similar schedules, though each maintains its own notification.

The Supreme Court’s vacation period, which is comparatively shorter than the IHC’s, is designed to balance rest with continuity of judicial services. Its policy of keeping offices open during holidays ensures no disruption in filings, registrations, and administrative progress.

Impact on Litigants and Legal Proceedings

The newly announced winter vacations will temporarily halt regular hearings, affecting litigants whose cases are currently pending. However, the IHC has reassured the public that urgent cases will be heard without interruption, providing relief for individuals dealing with critical matters such as:

• Urgent bail applications

• Habeas corpus petitions

• Matters requiring immediate judicial intervention

• Cases previously fixed by special order

Lawyers and litigants are advised to check updated rosters that will soon be released by the Registrar’s office, listing judges who will be available for urgent duties throughout the winter break.

Context and Public Interest

The announcement has drawn significant attention, particularly because winter vacations in the judiciary often coincide with broader administrative holidays observed by educational institutions, government offices, and private organizations. This alignment allows families and employees to coordinate winter travel and personal plans.

In many cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, winter intensifies significantly by late December, making it difficult for the public to engage in daily commuting. Thus, the decision to declare winter vacations is widely appreciated by lawyers’ associations, court staff, and citizens who regularly attend hearings.

Other Noteworthy Developments

In related news, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently inaugurated a major development project in Gujranwala, marking an important milestone for the region's infrastructure advancement. The event was widely covered across national media, highlighting the government’s continued efforts toward economic and structural growth across Punjab.

The declaration of winter vacations by the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court ensures that Pakistan’s judicial system follows a structured and efficient approach to seasonal recesses. While regular proceedings are paused, essential judicial services will remain operational, guaranteeing that access to urgent justice is not compromised.

With the IHC closed from December 24, 2025, to January 8, 2026, and the Supreme Court observing vacations from December 18 to December 31, 2025, legal professionals and litigants can now plan their schedules accordingly.

The annual winter break remains an important element of Pakistan’s judicial calendar, balancing rest, administrative efficiency, and uninterrupted public service.