Latest news with #AlternativeDisputeResolution
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Revamping mode of ADRC appointments: FBR seeks input from stakeholders
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is seeking input from different stakeholders to revamp the mode and manner of appointing Members of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. Director General (Law) of FBR Dr Ishtiaq told Business Recorder; 'We are seeking input from different stakeholders and after consultation will prepare the report. Hopefully it will make the ADRC more transparent and credible.' A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, on 3rd July while hearing the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd's petition had directed the FBR to submit report on ADRC on 24-07-25. FBR refuses to share info about ADRCs cases Dr Ishtiaq had told the Court that the FBR is open to any constructive suggestions regarding ADRC proceedings, as mandated under the law. CJP Yahya, therefore, allowed the FBR to consult with the stakeholders. Advocate Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad Khokhar, constitutional and tax law expert, said the need for an effective and structured Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system, particularly in tax matters, has become critical. He maintained that the conventional litigation model has not only overwhelmed the judiciary but has also severely impaired the state's ability to realise tax revenues in a timely manner. Thousands of tax cases involving hundreds of billions of rupees are languishing before appellate tribunals, High Courts, and the Supreme Court, creating uncertainty for businesses, discouraging investment, and delaying revenue recovery. A credible ADR system is now essential for easing this burden, restoring taxpayer confidence, and ensuring fiscal efficiency. He observed that despite having enabling statutory provisions for ADR under Section 134A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001; Section 47A of the Sales Tax Act, 1990; Section 38 of the Federal Excise Act, 2005; and Section 195C of the Customs Act, 1969, Pakistan has yet to operationalize ADR in a meaningful way. The reasons for this failure are well-known: lack of transparency in constituting ADR Committees, inclusion of serving tax officers on panels, absence of qualified and neutral arbitrators, lack of digital infrastructure, and the non-binding nature of ADR outcomes—especially in factual disputes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Judiciary vows to counter 'external influence'
Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee Justice Yahya Afridi chairing the meeting of NJPMC at Supreme Court of Pakistan today on Friday, July 11, 2025. Photo: Supreme Court Website Listen to article The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) has decided to protect judicial officers from external influence and asked the high courts to establish structured mechanisms for reporting and redressing such instances within a stipulated timeframe. A statutory body responsible for formulating and implementing judicial policy, the NJPMC held its 53rd meeting on Friday at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi was attended by chief justices of all provincial high courts as well as the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The additional attorney general for Pakistan (AAGP) also attended the moot on special invitation. According to a statement issued after the meeting, the NJPMC also took serious notice of enforced disappearances in the country. The committee unanimously resolved that the judiciary would not compromise on its constitutional duty to safeguard fundamental rights. In this regard, it formed a dedicated committee to formulate an institutional response, after taking into consideration concerns of the executive, to be communicated through the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP). The committee deliberated on key policy issues and adopted several significant measures to improve judicial performance, technology integration in judicial processes and citizen-centric justice delivery. To improve the commercial dispute resolution landscape, the NJPMC approved the establishment of Commercial Litigation Corridor, with specialized courts and benches. In line with its commitment to expeditious justice, it endorsed the piloting of a Double-Docket Court Regime in select districts on need basis with optional participation. The framework for Model Criminal Trial Courts was also approved to address long-pending criminal cases through time-bound trials and optimized judicial resources. In a major step towards strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the committee approved launch of a court-annexed mediation regime as a pilot project. This includes the establishment of district mediation facilities, family court mediation centers and standardized SOPs for operational purposes. To ensure consistency and excellence in the district judiciary, the NJPMC constituted a committee headed by a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retd) Rehmat Hussain Jafferi. It will recommend key performance indicators aligned with international benchmarks, standardized recruitment and training mechanisms, address disparities in service conditions and propose a framework for the District Judiciary Policy Forum as well as overseas exposure opportunities for judges. The committee also includes Balochistan High Court (BHC) chief justice, registrars of the high courts and the Federal Judicial Academy director general. The committee also approved the development of a Professional Excellence Index for talent hunt of lawyers for induction in judiciary and asked the high courts to finalize their models within 30 days. The ethical and policy implications of using generative AI in judicial functions were discussed, and the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) was asked to finalize a comprehensive charter on ethical use of AI in this regard. The committee appreciated Punjab inspector general of police for his detailed presentation proposing various reform intervention on behalf of all the IGPs of the provinces and Islamabad. It also decided that the high courts shall issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) for attendance of under trial prisoners and official witnesses through video link. It was also decided that the federal and provincial judicial academies shall conduct trainings for police officers including district police officers on request of the respective IGPs. On the request of the AAGP, the NJPMC decided that all constitutional petitions pertaining to tax and financial matters shall be heard and decided by high court division benches instead of single benches. The NJPMC appreciated the initiatives of the Lahore High Court regarding construction of female bar rooms, daycare center and health insurance for judges and their family members. It was decided that all the high courts will approach their respective provincial governments for similar facilities. It was also decided that the NJPMC Secretariat shall take up the proposal of consultation with the presiding office before transfer of ministerial staff of the administrative courts and tribunals with the federal government. "The NJPMC reaffirmed its commitment to a progressive, transparent and responsive judicial system, rooted in constitutional values and guided by the rule of law," it added.
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tax, financial matters: CPs to be decided by HC Div benches: NJPMC
ISLAMABAD: The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) decided that all constitutional petitions pertaining to tax and financial matters shall be heard and decided by division benches of the High Courts instead of a single bench. It also reaffirmed its commitment to a progressive, transparent and responsive judicial system, rooted in constitutional values and guided by the rule of law. The 53rd NJPMC meeting was held on Friday at the Supreme Court of Pakistan under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. It was attended by the chief justices of all the High Courts, while additional attorney general for Pakistan attended on special invitation. Separate benches formed for early disposal of tax cases: CJP The committee deliberated on key policy issues and adopted several significant measures to improve judicial performance, technology integration in judicial processes and citizen-centric justice delivery. The NJPMC took serious notice of the enforced disappearances and unanimously, resolved that the judiciary would not compromise on its constitutional duty to safeguard fundamental rights. A dedicated committee was constituted to formulate an institutional response, after taking into consideration concerns of the Executive, to be communicated through the attorney general for Pakistan. The committee also decided to protect judicial officers from external influence and asked the High Courts to establish structured mechanisms for reporting and redressal of such instances within a stipulated timeframe. To improve the commercial dispute resolution landscape, the NJPMC approved the establishment of Commercial Litigation Corridor, with specialised courts and benches. In line with its commitment to expeditious justice, the committee endorsed the piloting of a Double-Docket Court Regime in select districts on need basis with optional participation. The framework for Model Criminal Trial Courts was also approved to address long-pending criminal cases through time-bound trials and optimised judicial resources. In a major step towards strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the committee approved launch of a court-annexed mediation regime as a pilot project. This includes the establishment of district mediation facilities, family court mediation centres and standardised SOPs for operational purposes. To ensure consistency and excellence in the district judiciary, the NJPMC constituted a committee headed by former Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafferi, former judge Supreme Court of Pakistan comprising chief justice, High Court of Balochistan, the registrars of High Courts and director general Federal Judicial Academy to recommend key performance indicators aligned with international benchmarks, standardised recruitment and training mechanisms, address disparities in service conditions and propose a framework for the District Judiciary Policy Forum as well as overseas exposure opportunities for judges. The committee also approved the development of a Professional Excellence Index for talent hunt of lawyers for induction in judiciary and asked the High Courts to finalise their models within 30 days. The ethical and policy implications of using generative AI in judicial functions were discussed, and the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) was asked to finalise a comprehensive charter on ethical use of AI in this regard. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Top judges' body forms panel to address missing persons issue
Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee Justice Yahya Afridi chairing the meeting of NJPMC at Supreme Court of Pakistan today on Friday, July 11, 2025. Photo: Supreme Court Website Listen to article The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) unanimously decided to address the issue of enforced disappearances, establishing a special committee to formulate an institutional response in collaboration with the executive. Chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, the body convened its 53rd meeting to discuss key judicial reforms on Friday. The committee approved several initiatives aimed at enhancing the judicial system, including the establishment of a "Commercial Litigation Corridor" for faster resolution of business disputes and the introduction of "Model Criminal Trial Courts" for expediting criminal cases. Also Read: Islamabad court suspends YouTube ban on prominent journalists, critics It also endorsed the creation of a pilot system for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and initiatives to standardise judicial procedures across districts. A major focus was also placed on improving the inclusion of lawyers in the judicial process, including the development of a "Professional Excellence Index." The committee further discussed the ethical implications of using Generative AI in court operations and tasked the National Judicial Automation Committee to draft a comprehensive ethical framework. In terms of judicial infrastructure, the committee praised initiatives like the construction of women lawyers' bar rooms and daycare centers, along with health insurance for judges and their families. Moreover, the committee decided that tax and financial-related constitutional cases would be handled by division benches in the High Courts instead of single benches.
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Huge change to mobile and broadband rules so customers can get £100s in compensation sooner
Plus, we share tips on how to complain to your broadband provider SHAKE UP Huge change to mobile and broadband rules so customers can get £100s in compensation sooner A HUGE change to mobile and broadband rules means customers can get £100s in compensation sooner. Anyone who complains to their provider and does not get the response they want can take their claim further to the ombudsman. Advertisement 1 New rules mean customers can get their complaints handled quicker Credit: Alamy Currently, providers have up to eight weeks to respond. But under new rules laid out by Ofcom, this will now be reduced to six weeks. This means frustrated customers can get compensation quicker. Ofcom has been consulting on the change and made its final decision this week. Advertisement But customers will have to wait until April 2026 before the changes officially come into place. Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, described the move as "positive". She said: "Recent Which? research found that eight in ten suffered a connection issue with their broadband provider in the year to January 2025. "So unfortunately, telecoms issues are far from uncommon and customers rightly expect that any problems will be resolved quickly and efficiently." Advertisement She added: "Any providers who are falling short urgently need to up their game to ensure their customers are getting the service they rightly expect and that problems are resolved as quickly as possible." It is worth noting that when you take an issue to the ombudsman there's no guarantee of compensation, but it's one of the ways it can tell the supplier to offer redress. CHECK YOUR SPEED: Broadband If you wish to complain to your broadband provider look for the customer service number on the company website. Ask to speak to the relevant team member and make sure you have important documents such as bills and bank statements to hand. Advertisement Under current rules, if your supplier does not resolve the issues after eight weeks, you can take your case to one of two Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes. Customers can escalate issues to either the Communications Ombudsman (CO) or the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS). If your provider cannot solve your compliant, it will issue a deadlock letter which it means it does not think it can resolve the problem. You can find out what scheme your provider is part of by using the ADR checker on the Ofcom website. Advertisement If you receive one of these letter it means you have 12months to contact the ombudsman. Resolving an issue through the ombudsman can lead to a simple apology, or you get compensation. If you are not happy with how it has resolved your complaint you can switch providers. HOW TO CUT BROADBAND COSTS If you're not happy with what your broadband firm is offering you, shop around for a new deal and switch providers. Advertisement You can use price comparison websites like Uswitch to find the best deals based on your circumstances. You can also use a deal found on a price comparison site to haggle your existing provider down to a lower price. And if you are a pensioners or on government benefits like Universal Credit you should check if you can slash your broadband and mobile bills by hundreds of pounds a year. Social tariffs are offered to those on government benefits like Universal Credit, and they can save you hundreds of pounds a year compared to standard deals. Advertisement They often come with no exit fees - but you should always check the terms and conditions carefully. Ofcom has a list on its website of all the firms offering social broadband and mobile phone tariffs here:
