Islamabad, February 15, 2025 – Mr. Hassan Raza Pasha, Chairman of the Special Committee on Judicial Reforms, Pakistan Bar Council, met today with officials from the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment Scoping Mission, who are currently visiting Pakistan. This marked a significant engagement between the IMF and Pakistan’s legal fraternity.
During the meeting, discussions focused on pressing legal issues, particularly the backlog of cases in superior courts, and the urgent need to implement judicial reforms for improving the efficiency of the judicial system in Pakistan. The IMF Mission expressed concern about the delay in court decisions, especially in business-related matters, which often remain pending for extended periods. The IMF officials highlighted that these delays in resolving business disputes are detrimental to investments and, by extension, the broader economy of Pakistan.
In response, Mr. Pasha assured the IMF team that the Pakistan Bar Council has taken proactive steps to address these concerns. He outlined the Council’s support for Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, which would allow parties to resolve business disputes without unnecessary delays. This approach has received backing from both the government and the superior courts and is expected to reduce the backlog of cases, enhance court efficiency, and ultimately support Pakistan’s economic growth.
Furthermore, Mr. Pasha emphasized the importance of increasing the number of judges in the lower judiciary to accelerate the resolution of pending cases. He urged the IMF to consider these reforms as a positive step in strengthening Pakistan’s judicial framework.
On the fiscal front, Mr. Pasha also discussed the issue of heavy taxation imposed by the government under IMF conditions. He requested the IMF to reconsider these stringent tax policies, which, according to him, are placing a heavy burden on the common people of Pakistan. The Chairman highlighted that the high taxes are contributing to rising prices and creating significant financial strain on the public. He called for a reduction in taxes to ease the economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
This engagement with the IMF marks a historic moment, as it is the first time the Pakistan Bar Council has met with officials from the IMF in such a capacity. The meeting raised important questions regarding the government’s obligations to meet IMF conditions, especially in a context where Pakistan is already heavily burdened with debt. The Pakistan Bar Council has sought assurance from the government regarding the future implications of these conditions on Pakistan’s legal and economic stability.
As the IMF mission continues its assessment, the Pakistan Bar Council remains committed to fostering reforms that will not only strengthen Pakistan’s judicial system but also contribute to a more stable and thriving economy.
