The Supreme Court of Pakistan has launched the 1818 Legal Call Centre to improve public access to legal information and assistance. The service will provide court-related information, initial legal guidance, and referrals for legal aid.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi inaugurated the facility. Muhammad Saleem became the first caller, formally marking the launch of the service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Justice Yahya Afridi said citizens could dial 1818 for free legal guidance. Callers will not need to visit the court or pay consultation fees to receive initial assistance.
The initiative aims to make legal support more accessible across the country. It particularly targets people facing financial difficulties, living in remote areas, or struggling to understand court procedures.
Services Available Through the 1818 Helpline
The 1818 Legal Call Centre will serve lawyers, litigants, and members of the public seeking information about Supreme Court services. Callers will be able to ask about case status, hearing dates, cause lists, and case fixation.
The helpline will also guide citizens towards the relevant offices and service channels. It will provide information about filing cases and applications, meeting procedural requirements, and addressing filing objections.
Callers can also seek guidance on obtaining certified copies of judgments, court orders, and other legal documents. The service will answer questions about early hearing applications and procedures for checking pending cases.
Officials said the objective was to help citizens understand the required steps before approaching the relevant court office. Callers will receive guidance about the necessary documents and appropriate procedures.
Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid Referrals
The Supreme Court’s new facility will also offer access to an expert legal adviser. The adviser will respond to litigation-related questions and explain possible procedural steps based on callers’ concerns.
The service will provide initial legal guidance to people who need help understanding their legal matters. It will also direct eligible applicants towards further assistance where necessary.
For litigants unable to afford legal representation, the adviser can forward their names and applications to the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan. The applications will be considered under the applicable legal aid arrangements.
This process is intended to help financially disadvantaged citizens explore available legal support. However, referrals will be subject to the relevant legal aid procedures.
Support for Online Court Services
The call centre will also guide users on the Supreme Court’s Public Facilitation Centre and digital services. These include the official website, online case information, and electronic application facilities.
The helpline brings several public assistance services together through one dedicated telephone number. It is intended to make court information easier to obtain and help citizens identify the correct channels for further support.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior judges and representatives of the legal community. Participants included Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.
The president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, the vice chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council, Legal Aid Committee members, and numerous lawyers also attended.
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The launch of the 1818 Legal Call Centre forms part of the Supreme Court’s efforts to improve public facilitation. Through legal guidance, court information, and legal aid referrals, the service aims to make access to justice more convenient for citizens.
