Minority lawyer files plea: SC Commission takes action against ATIR Member

ISLAMABAD: The Commission constituted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to safeguard minority rights in Pakistan, has taken decisive action following a formal complaint against a senior Member Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) for alleged discriminatory conduct toward a minority lawyer.

It is learnt that a Rawalpindi based Advocate belonging to the Minority community of Pakistan, filed a complaint with the Dr Shoaib Suddle Commission regarding what he described as “intimidating and disrespectful conduct” by Member ATIR. The complaint highlighted concerns about the treatment of minority legal professionals in Pakistan’s judicial system.

The chairman of the commission endorsed a formal advisory measure, directing that “the Member ATIR be sent a note of advice to deal with the minority lawyers with courtesy and respect.”

The Commission further emphasised that “senior revenue officials have enough patience and skill to avoid such situations,” underscoring expectations for professional conduct from judicial officers.

The Lahore Tax Bar Public Interest Litigation Committee chairman has been closely monitoring this matter as part of its broader mandate to protect the rights of all legal practitioners, regardless of religious or ethnic background. The LTBA-PILC praised this intervention as a positive step toward ensuring equal treatment and dignity for minority lawyers within Pakistan’s legal system.

This action by the Shoaib Suddle Commission represents an important precedent in addressing workplace discrimination within Pakistan’s judiciary specifically at ATIR. The Commission was established pursuant to Supreme Court order for implementation of the Minorities Rights Judgment in SMC 1/2014. The case highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in professional settings and the mechanisms available for redress through constitutional protections, LTBA-PILC added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026