Federal Shariat Court

court, Pakistan

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Federal Shariat Court is Pakistan's superior court that adjudicates on the conformity of laws with Islamic injunctions. Established in 1979, it interprets and applies Sharia law, which is derived from the Quran and Sunnah.1

While Sharia law historically covered criminal and civil matters, its application has largely been confined to family law in many Muslim countries since the 20th century. However, in Pakistan, Sharia law is applied by the same courts that handle general civil and criminal law, and the Federal Shariat Court plays a crucial role in this system. The court's decisions are binding on other courts, though they can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.1

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Pakistan
Justice
…laws was instituted, and the Federal Shariat Court, a court of Islamic law (sharia), was set up in the 1980s; the primary purpose of this court is to ascertain whether laws passed by parliament are congruent with the precepts of Islam. The sharia system operates alongside the more secular largely…
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…laws was instituted, and the Federal Shariat Court, a court of Islamic law (sharia), was set up in the 1980s; the primary purpose of this court is to ascertain whether laws passed by parliament are congruent with the precepts of Islam. The sharia system operates alongside the more secular largely…
Read More