Environmental, tax management: District judges told to play proactive role

Payment of taxes, environmental protection vital, says Justice Isa

A Supreme Court judge has emphasised the need for promoting tax culture and protection of the environment.

“Payment of taxes and protection of the environment from degradation can solve many of the country’s perennial socio-economic problems,” Justice Qazi Faez Isa said.

He was addressing participants of a week-long course on “Role of district and sessions judges being non-financial managers in financial management and new laws,” at the Federal Judicial Academy here on Saturday, according to a press release.

The newly promoted district and sessions judges from all over Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan participated in the course.

He said, “No one can overlook the harm we ourselves have caused to the environment, including flora and fauna. As district and sessions judges, you can protect constitutional rights of people to a healthy environment.”

He lamented the culture of non-payment of taxes and the collective insensitivity of the country towards the environment and natural resources.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th,  2016.