Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has highlighted prolonged tax litigation as a critical challenge for Pakistan’s economy, noting that unresolved disputes not only constrain fiscal space but also weaken investor confidence and broader economic stability.
According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court, the chief justice on Friday chaired a high-level meeting focused on strategic judicial reforms aimed at the speedy resolution of high-impact tax litigation with significant implications for national revenues and economic governance. He emphasized that timely justice, efficiency, and predictability in tax-related cases are essential for strengthening the investment climate and ensuring macroeconomic stability.
The meeting was attended by Supreme Court Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the FBR member legal, and other senior officials from the tax administration and judiciary. Participants held detailed discussions on creating a sustained and institutional framework to address long-pending and high-value tax disputes that have accumulated over time.
The deliberations focused on reducing litigation backlogs, enhancing legal certainty, and safeguarding public revenue through improved case handling and faster adjudication. Officials explored reform-oriented strategies such as prioritizing and fast-tracking high-stakes tax cases that have a direct bearing on government finances. Improved coordination between tax authorities and the justice system was also identified as a key requirement for effective dispute resolution.
Participants discussed measures to strengthen legal preparedness, improve case management practices, and introduce procedural and institutional changes to ensure consistency and speed in judicial decisions. The objective, according to the Supreme Court statement, is to reduce systemic delays that often result in prolonged uncertainty for businesses and the state alike.
The chief justice noted that unresolved tax disputes can distort fiscal planning and undermine trust in the legal and regulatory environment. He reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to reforms that align judicial processes with Pakistan’s economic and development priorities, stressing that predictable and transparent dispute resolution is a cornerstone of good governance.
The meeting was described as part of a broader justice sector reform agenda aimed at improving institutional performance, reducing inefficiencies, and supporting economic management through a more responsive legal system.
Separately, Chief Justice Afridi on Saturday chaired another high-level meeting in Lahore to advance judicial infrastructure reforms, with a particular focus on ensuring a sustainable and uninterrupted power supply for district courts across Punjab. The meeting was attended by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, the Punjab chief secretary, finance secretary, energy department secretary, member planning, and secretary of the Social Welfare Department, along with other senior officials.
The agenda centered on securing government funding and policy support for the solarization of district courts to ensure continuity of judicial services, particularly in areas prone to electricity disruptions. During the meeting, the Punjab chief secretary assured participants that the provincial government would ensure uninterrupted power supply to courts across the province.
He further stated that in areas where reliable grid electricity cannot be guaranteed, the government would provide solar energy solutions to maintain seamless court operations. The initiative aims to prevent disruptions in judicial proceedings and improve service delivery to litigants.
Chief Justice Afridi 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 observed that power outages not only delay court proceedings but also affect record management, digital systems, and overall administrative efficiency.
He added that the proposed measures would enhance court functionality while contributing to sustainability, resilience, and long-term cost efficiency. The chief justice emphasized that meaningful judicial reform requires close coordination between the judiciary and the executive, and he lauded the collaborative spirit demonstrated by provincial authorities in supporting infrastructure and governance improvements.
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