ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) emphasised that prolonged tax litigations not only constraints fiscal space but also undermines investor confidence and economic stability.
CJP Yahya Afridi 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.
The meeting was attended by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Member (Legal) FBR, and other senior officials.
The chief justice underscored the judiciary’s commitment to supporting reforms that promote timely justice, efficiency, and predictability, particularly in matters directly affecting the national economy.
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The meeting 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 key reform-oriented strategies discussed in the meeting included prioritisation and fast-tracking of high-stakes tax cases; improved coordination between tax authorities and the justice system; strengthening legal preparedness and case management, and exploring 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.
The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) on December 13, 2025, had unanimously decided to implement the recommendations of its sub-committee, including establishment of dedicated benches, curtailment of frivolous litigation, constitution of a screening committee at the FBR level, avoidance of coercive revenue targets for state-owned enterprises, and improvements in tribunal structures, to address the protracted litigation and injunctive orders in commercial, revenue and fiscal cases.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026