Taxes provide a boost to the national economy:Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial

Lahore: Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Justice Umar Ata Bandial has said that taxes provide a boost to the national economy. Therefore, it was need of the hour to promote tax culture and Tax Bar should also shoulder its responsibility in collection of taxes meant for progress and prosperity in the country.

Hon‘ble Chief Justice was speaking at a function arranged by the Lahore Tax Bar Association. He underlined the need for strengthening the tax collecting departments. A credible and viable Tax system can usher an era of development. It was responsibility of the state to facilitate the business community and promote confidence among them for enhancing the business activities.

Hon’ble Chief Justice called upon the elite of the society to come forward in paying taxes and have a pride in getting National Tax Numbers. Black coats should set an example in this regard and become a role model for other segments of the society. He wished an atmosphere where tax payers feel protected. Chief Justice said that if the laws are not enforced evenly the society becomes uncivilized.

Referring to the National Judicial Policy Making Committee meeting, Hon’ble Chief Justice said that there were 60,000 old cases in the Punjab as compared to the 10,000 to 12,000 in other provinces and it was due to shortage of judges. Chief Justice said that we are filling this gap with more work in the courts. It was a pride that Judiciary in the Province has responded with immense conviction and devotion to duty and has tripled the conviction rate. We have not opted for number game by enhancing disposal rate but delivering good and comprehensive judgments. Judiciary was not meant only to decide individual difference but leading to rule of law. In this regard Chief Justice also cited cases of Balochistan and Karachi by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Good governance was basic right of the people and the advocates community was playing their vital role, Chief Justice added.

On a demand of funds, Chief Justice informed that in last June, Lahore High Court saved money and equally distributed amongst tehsil and district bar associations throughout the Punjab for establishment of libraries and purchasing books. Lahore Tax Bar will also get its share in future.

Patron of Tax Bar Zia Haider Rizvi, President LTBA Zahid Attiq, Zulfiqar Khan President Pakistan Tax Bar and Mohammad Naeem also spoke on the occasion.