The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) of Pakistan has officially announced its winter vacation schedule for 2025. According to the new notification issued on Monday, the court will close for regular activities from December 22, 2025 and will reopen on January 5, 2026. During this period, routine hearings will pause, but essential judicial work will continue through designated court offices.
Winter Break Dates and Hearing Schedule
The FCC has confirmed that:
- Winter vacation will start: December 22, 2025
- Court will reopen: January 5, 2026
- Hearings resume: From January 5, 2026
Although the court itself will remain closed, the administrative offices will stay active. This means staff members will still handle important matters, documentation, and urgent filings.
The court also clarified that urgent cases and hearings already scheduled before the announcement will still be conducted during the vacation period. This step ensures that no critical constitutional matter faces unnecessary delay.
Court Offices to Remain Open for Urgent Matters
While the winter break pauses normal judicial proceedings, the FCC has ensured that essential work continues smoothly. According to the notification:
- Offices will remain open
- Urgent matters will be heard
- Pre-scheduled hearings will not be postponed
- Lawyers can submit important documents
This system helps maintain efficiency in the judicial process even when regular hearings are on hold. It also supports litigants whose cases require immediate attention, especially constitutional disputes that affect public policy or fundamental rights.
Role and Purpose of the Federal Constitutional Court
The Federal Constitutional Court was created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, with the aim of strengthening Pakistan’s judicial structure. Its primary responsibilities include:
- Interpreting the Constitution
- Protecting constitutional rights
- Settling legal disputes involving constitutional matters
- Ensuring fairness and balance among state institutions
The establishment of the FCC has been considered an important step for improving Pakistan’s legal system. By focusing solely on constitutional issues, the court reduces pressure on the Supreme Court and High Courts, making the overall judicial system more efficient.
Judges Serving on the FCC
The FCC is led by an experienced panel of judges who bring deep knowledge of constitutional law. The current members include:
- Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan
- Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi
- Justice Amir Farooq
- Justice Ali Baqar Najafi
- Justice Karim Khan Agha
- Justice Rozi Khan Brech
- Justice Arshad Hussain Shah
These judges are responsible for handling significant constitutional cases that often have national importance.
Chief Justice’s Vision for the Court
In a message published on the court’s official website, Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan described the creation of the Federal Constitutional Court as a major achievement in Pakistan’s judicial progress.
He emphasized that the court’s duty is to:
- Interpret the Constitution with independence
- Ensure justice without bias
- Protect the fundamental rights of citizens
- Maintain stability and balance among government institutions
He noted that the FCC aims to deliver decisions that strengthen democracy and uphold the rule of law.
Conclusion
With the announcement of the 2025 winter vacation, the Federal Constitutional Court has laid out a clear plan for its holiday schedule while ensuring that urgent cases remain uninterrupted. The FCC continues to play a vital role in interpreting the Constitution, defending rights, and guiding Pakistan’s constitutional development. Under the leadership of its judges, the court remains committed to fairness, stability, and justice—even during its winter recess.
