The Supreme Court of Pakistan is the apex court in the judicial hierarchy of the country. The Court is comprised of a Chief Justice and 16 Judges. The Constitution contains elaborate provisions on' the composition, jurisdiction, powers and functions of the Court. The qualifications for, and mode of appointment of Judges, age of their retirement, grounds and procedure for removal from office and terms and conditions of service of judges are also specified in the basic document. The Constitution also provides for the ,independence of judiciary, and, its 'separation from the Executive' . Consequently, there prevails in the country, full institutional and decisional judicial independence. The Supreme Court and High Courts also possess a degree of financial autonomy in as much as the concerned Chief justice is authorized, to expropriate funds within the budgetary allocation. These superior courts are also empowered to make their own rules of, practice/procedure, hire/fire their staff and determine their terms and conditions of service.

The Supreme Court is the court of ultimate jurisdiction in the land. It is the final arbiter of the law and the Constitution. Its orders/decisions are binding on all other courts in the country. All executive and judicial authorities are bound to act in aid of the Supreme Court. 

Establishing a system of trichotomy of power, the Constitution assigns the Supreme Court a unique responsibility of maintaining harmony and balance between the three pillars of the State namely legislature, executive and judiciary. The purpose is to ensure that the state organs perform their respective functions under the stipulated limits and constraints. As guardian of the Constitution, the Court is required to "preserve, protect and defend' this document. its multiple roles include resolving conflicts and disputes, be they among governments (Federal/provincial) or between government and individual or individuals inter se. The Court is also a custodian and upholder of' citizens' rights, liberties and freedoms. Seen in this context, the Court indeed occupies a pivotal status 'and crucial position in the Constitutional dispensation, by playing the role of unifying and integrating the nation, its regions, institutions and communities.