Latest news with #MianRaufAtta
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
SCBA expresses concern over amended SC rules
ISLAMABAD: The president Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) expressed deep concern over the recent amendments to the Supreme Court Rules, 1980, which were introduced 'without prior and meaningful consultation with the SCBA'. SCBA chief Mian Rauf Atta, in a statement issued on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to review and withdraw the recent increase in court filing fees so as to restore public confidence and uphold the constitutional promise of speedy, inexpensive, and unobstructed justice. The SCBA remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the equal right of all citizens to access justice without financial or procedural barriers, and will continue to safeguard these principles in the national interest. Atta said that the apex representative body of the legal fraternity, with members across all provinces and territories, the association has a vital institutional role in any reforms to the procedural framework of the Supreme Court. 'Introducing such changes in isolation risks weakening the spirit of collaborative decision-making and overlooks the legitimate contribution of the Bar in protecting the integrity and accessibility of the justice system.' Rauf Atta noted that the substantial and unprecedented increase in court fees and filing charges is excessive and poses serious challenges to the principle of affordable justice. He emphasised that the Supreme Court's constitutional role is to remain the ultimate forum for the dispensation of justice – not to create financial hurdles that discourage citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable, from exercising their right to seek redress. Determining or revising such fees is properly within the legislative and the executive domain, and such increases, if disproportionate, risk placing justice beyond the reach of many, contrary to the foundational principles of a democratic legal order. The SCBA president further highlighted that the dignity, respect, and fair treatment of lawyers, litigants, and all stakeholders must be preserved at every stage of judicial proceedings and within court premises. A fee structure of this magnitude will inevitably increase the overall cost of litigation, making it more difficult for ordinary citizens to pursue their cases. This, he observed, is inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees contained in Article 8 to 39 of the constitution, which require the State to ensure inexpensive, expeditious, and unobstructed justice for all. Atta also stressed that the Supreme Court should focus on delivering substantive justice through patient and thorough hearings, rather that placing undue emphasis on statistical disposal of cases. True justice is reflected not in the number of cases decided but in the fairness, impartiality, and depth of judicial reasoning. Efficiency should serve the cause of justice, not replace it. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bugti, SCBAP chief slam India's provocations
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday said that all state institutions and the people must stand united in defending the country's sovereignty, and Balochistan will always be at the forefront of this struggle. The Balochistan CM expressed his resolve during a meeting with Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) President Mian Rauf Atta in Quetta. Bugti said the Balochistan government is making serious efforts, in collaboration with national institutions, bar associations, and political leadership, to resolve provincial challenges, uphold the rule of law, and promote national harmony. He added that all state institutions and the people must stand united in defending the country's sovereignty, and Balochistan will always be at the forefront of this struggle On this occasion, SCBAP Vice President Balochistan, Muhammad Ishaq Notezai, and Balochistan High Court Bar Association President Mir Attaullah Langau were also present. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of important national and regional issues, including the prevailing situation along the country's eastern borders. They agreed that Pakistan, having suffered several tragic incidents of terrorism, strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. They emphasized that any act of aggression against the country's sovereignty should be met with a strong and resolute response. They also expressed grave concern over India's unilateral actions, which are escalating tensions in the region and bringing the two nuclear-armed nations dangerously close to confrontation. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was termed a highly provocative move, as water is a fundamental lifeline for the people of Pakistan. The Bar president expressed complete solidarity with Pakistan's position on behalf of the legal fraternity and reaffirmed their commitment to making every possible sacrifice. He also emphasized the need to strengthen national unity and cohesion. Mian Rauf Atta briefed the CM about his meetings with various national political leaders aimed at building broad-based consensus on issues facing Balochistan, which was appreciated by the chief minister. Both sides agreed that a sustainable resolution of Balochistan's longstanding issues lies in continued dialogue, engagement, and adherence to democratic processes. APP
The Print
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Print
IMF flags judicial inefficiencies as key barrier to foreign investment in Pakistan
During a meeting with the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Mian Rauf Atta, the IMF mission emphasised that inefficiencies in the legal system are a major deterrent for international investors. Islamabad [Pakistan], April 15 (ANI): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has voiced concerns over obstacles deterring foreign investment in Pakistan, particularly pointing to issues within the judiciary, such as contract enforcement, protection of property rights, and overall judicial performance, according to Samaa TV. Samaa TV reported that the meeting, which also included Mir Attaullah Langau, President of the Balochistan High Court Bar, and Barrister Sarfraz Metlo, President of the Sindh High Court Bar, resulted in a joint statement outlining the discussions. According to reports, both sides acknowledged that achieving meaningful reform will require a combination of political stability, sound governance, and economic resilience. The report said that beyond judicial matters, the IMF mission also met with Cabinet Division officials to review anti-corruption strategies and institutional capacity building. Further, a technical session with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) covered the Revenue Mobilization Initiative, tax base expansion, and measures to enhance tax collection. As Samaa TV highlighted, the IMF has wrapped up its assessment, and a final report is anticipated in July. The International Monetary Fund and Pakistan have had a long history a frequently complicated relationship characterized by repeated economic crises. Since becoming an IMF member in 1950, Pakistan has signed more than 20 financial aid programs meant to stabilize its economy, resolve balance of payments problems, and finance structural adjustments. Mismanagement of the economy, budget deficits, and weak foreign exchange reserves have consistently led Pakistan to return to the IMF for assistance. The IMF continues to call for governance, judicial efficiency, and anti-corruption reforms to establish a more investor-friendly environment. These issues have come to the fore as Pakistan struggles with rising debt, a declining tax base, and falling foreign investment. The relationship continues to be crucial, with IMF reviews shaping world investor perceptions about Pakistan's economic prospects. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Express Tribune
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
SCBA chief wants govt to engage BNP-M
Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Mian Rauf Atta has urged the federal and provincial governments to form a fully empowered committee to hold negotiations with Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal. Last Friday, the BNP-M announced a long march from Wadh to Quetta to protest against the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders and activists, including Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, as well as the police crackdown on their sit-in in Quetta. Sammi was released on Tuesday. An official statement was issued regarding the meeting between SCBA president and BNP-M chief, which took place in a remote location in Mastung district. According to the SCBA statement, BNP-M, which is engaged in a protest movement, presented its stance, asserting that their struggle and protest are constitutionally justified. During the meeting, Mengal disclosed that a committee from the Balochistan government had approached him. In response, the BNP-M laid out three key demands, including release of all detainees held under MPO and withdrawal of the related notification, as done by the Sindh government. The BNP-M sought permission to hold protests or sit-ins within a designated area which fell within the Red Zone. It further stated that if these demands are not met, BNP-M's entire leadership was prepared to court arrest. According to the statement, the BNP-M clarified that if their demands were not fulfilled within a day or two, they would proceed with their planned protest march towards the Red Zone. The SCBA president reaffirmed that the right to peaceful assembly, protest, freedom of expression, and movement are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The statement further noted that both sides agreed that dialogue, negotiations, and democratic processes are the only viable solutions to BNP-M's concerns and the broader issues of Balochistan. Separately, the SCBA president met with former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik to discuss the province's pressing issues. Senator Mir Kabir Muhammad Shahi was also present during the meeting. According to an SCBA statement, the meeting was held in the context of efforts to unite all national political parties in addressing Balochistan's ongoing challenges. The discussions focused on formulating a long-term solution to the province's issues. Both sides agreed that border management and equitable distribution of resources are critical provincial matters. However, they emphasized that these concerns should not take precedence over public safety and the well-being of Balochistan's citizens. The statement expressed concerns over the "lack of seriousness displayed by mainstream political parties" regarding Balochistan's issues.
