PM Shehbaz & CJP Yahya Afridi talk judicial reforms, fast-track tax cases

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met Chief Justice Yahya Afridi at the Chief Justice House and stressed on taking decisions on merit-based basis in tax cases.

The Chief Justice in turn sought suggestions from the Prime Minister for improving the justice system.

According to reports, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif congratulated Chief Justice Afridi on assuming office and appreciated his visits to remote areas of South Punjab, Interior Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure timely delivery of justice.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister discussed the country’s economic situation and security challenges. He highlighted the long-pending tax disputes in various courts and requested for quick decisions on merit.

Chief Justice Afridi welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to judicial reforms and sought suggestions to enhance the justice system. Shahbaz Sharif also assured early action on cases of missing persons.

The meeting was attended by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Supreme Court Registrar Muhammad Saleem Khan and Secretary Law and Justice Commission Tanzila Sabahat.

Supreme Court of Pakistan statement

The Supreme Court issued a statement confirming that the meeting was at the invitation of the Chief Justice. It said that the Prime Minister’s meeting was part of the Chief Justice’s judicial reforms agenda and policy recommendations have already been sought from the Judicial Policy Making Committee.

Chief Justice Afridi urged the opposition parties to take judicial policy reforms into confidence to ensure uncontroversial and lasting improvements.

During the meeting, the Chief Justice also presented a shield of honor to the Prime Minister.