MULTAN: Multan Tax Bar Association sought urgent action to settle cases pending in Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR).
The executive committee of the Multan Tax Bar Association convened an emergency meeting. Led by General Secretary Muhammad Imran Ghazi, the committee highlighted the pressing issue, noting that nearly 250 new cases flood the tribunal monthly. Official reports for February reveal a staggering 7,424 pending cases, signaling a dire need for immediate intervention.
Comparatively, benches in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad manage approximately 100 to 120 cases each, underscoring the disparity faced by the Multan tribunal. Despite the diligent efforts of Judicial Member Chaudhry Muhammad Azam, who resolves 175 to 200 cases monthly, the workload remains overwhelming. The absence of a permanent Accountant Member exacerbates the situation, causing distress among tax lawyers.
Vice President Raja Muhammad Imtiaz Kayani expressed apprehension regarding proposed amendments by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which could render the Commissioner Appeals’ position inactive. Such changes would significantly increase the volume of appeals filed with the tribunal, creating further strain on an already burdened system. Moreover, proposed amendments to reference filing requirements and fees could prove excessively burdensome for taxpayers.
The Multan Tax Bar Association has issued a stern demand to key stakeholders, including Chief Justice of Lahore High Court Mr. Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and FBR Chairman Amjad Zubair Toana. They call for the immediate establishment of a second bench at the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue Multan and swift appointment of a permanent Accountant Member. Additionally, the association urges expedited completion of long-pending plans for Custom Courts, Custom Tribunals, and Intellectual Property Courts. They vehemently oppose proposed amendments that threaten taxpayers’ right to appeal, advocating for a halt in the enactment process of such measures.
The Multan Tax Bar Association’s plea underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to alleviate the burden on taxpayers and restore faith in the judicial process.
