PTBA proposes steering committee to streamline tax case resolution

KARACHI: The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has proposed the establishment of a steering committee to assess the legitimacy of tax cases and analyse their merits, following prime minister’s directive to avoid filing cases on weak grounds.

In a letter to the prime minister on Tuesday, the PTBA expressed concern over the backlog of tax cases in appellate forums and courts. “We appreciate your serious concern, as reported in the national press, regarding the pendency of tax cases,” the association stated.

The PTBA highlighted that many pending cases are based on issues already settled by superior courts but were filed unnecessarily, solely to delay relief to taxpayers. “These cases often lack merit and are pursued simply to avoid granting legitimate relief to genuine taxpayers,” the association observed.

It further noted that no individual takes responsibility for the consequences of not filing frivolous cases, resulting in the burdening of appellate forums and courts with unwarranted disputes.

The PM, during a review meeting on the FBR’s legal cases, directed the engagement of high-profile lawyers to represent the government in tribunals and courts. The PTBA, however, expressed concerns about the high costs and potential financial losses to the exchequer associated with such measures.

Instead, the PTBA proposed the formation of a steering committee tasked with scrutinising each case to determine its legitimacy and merit. “If this exercise is conducted, we are confident that the pendency of tax cases can be reduced by more than 50 per cent, allowing the government to focus on defending genuine cases that safeguard tax revenues,” the association stated.