Tax cases: CJ stresses timely adjudication

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has noted that prolonged tax litigation not only constrains fiscal space but also undermines investor confidence and economic stability.

He has underscored the judiciary's commitment to reforms that promote timely justice, efficiency, and predictability, particularly in matters directly affecting the national economy.

According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court on Saturday, CJP Afridi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to deliberate on strategic reforms aimed at expeditious disposal of high-impact tax litigation that has significant implications for the national economy.

SC's Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, the FBR member (legal) FBR, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

The participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on developing a sustained, institutional framework to address long-pending and high-value tax disputes, with a focus on reducing litigation backlogs, enhancing legal certainty, and safeguarding public revenue.

The meeting discussed key reform-oriented strategies including prioritization and fast-tracking of high-stakes tax cases and improved coordination between tax authorities and the justice system.

The participants also discuss ways to strengthen legal preparedness and case management and explore procedural and institutional measures to ensure consistency and speed in adjudication.

"The meeting forms part of the broader justice sector reform agenda, aimed at improving governance, reducing systemic delays, and aligning judicial processes with the country's economic and development priorities," it said.

The CJP on Saturday also chaired a high-level meeting in Lahore "to advance judicial infrastructure reforms, with a particular focus on securing sustainable and uninterrupted power supply for district courts across Punjab".

The meeting was attended by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, Punjab chief secretary, Punjab finance secretary, energy department secretary, member planning, and Social Welfare Department secretary beside other high officials.

The agenda centered on government funding and policy support for the solarization of district courts to ensure continuity of judicial services, especially in areas vulnerable to power disruptions.

During the meeting, Punjab chief secretary gave firm assurance that the provincial government would ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to courts across the province.

Where such supply cannot be reliably guaranteed, the government will provide solar energy solutions to maintain seamless court operations, he said.

The CJP appreciated the Punjab Government's proactive approach and strong commitment, noting that reliable energy infrastructure is essential for timely justice delivery, institutional efficiency, and public confidence in the justice system.

He said the proposed measures would not only enhance court functionality but would also contribute to sustainability, resilience, and long-term cost efficiency.

He emphasized that judicial reforms require close coordination between the judiciary and the executive, and lauded the collaborative spirit demonstrated at the highest level.