The Chief Justice however said that if the laws are not enforced evenly society becomes uncivilized. He underlined the need for strengthening the tax collecting departments. A credible and viable tax system can usher an era of development. It was the responsibility of the state to facilitate the business community and promote confidence among them for enhancing business activities.
The Chief Justice called upon the elite of society to come forward in paying taxes and take pride in getting National Tax Numbers. The black coats should set an example in this regard and become a role model for other segments of society. He wished for an atmosphere where tax payers feel protected.
Referring to the National Judicial Policy Making Committee meeting, the Chief Justice said that there were 60,000 old cases in the Punjab as compared to the 10,000 to 12,000 in the other provinces and it was due to the shortage of judges. The Chief Justice said that we are filling this gap by working more in the courts. And he commented that it was good that the judiciary in the province had responded with conviction and devotion and tripled the conviction rate.
It was not to increase the disposal rate but deliver good and comprehensive judgements, he said adding that the Judiciary was not meant to decide individual differences but to lead to rule of law. Good governance was the basic right of the people and the bar was playing its vital role, the Chief Justice added. The Patron of the Tax Bar Zia Haider Rizvi, President LTBA Zahid Attiq, Zulfiqar Khan President Pakistan Tax Bar and Mohammad Naeem also spoke on the occasion.