New law to ensure cheaper litigation

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Monday approved the promulgation of Costs of Litigation Act, 2017 that will ensure dispensation of inexpensive justice to the litigants. The Act will come into force from March 1, 2018.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired the cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The cabinet also approved a proposal for notifying the Maximum Retail Price (MRPs) of various drugs as well as reduction in their prices in line with the Drug Pricing Policy.

Reviewing the law and order situation in the country, the cabinet asked for maximum vigilance against terror activities sponsored by the anti-Pakistan forces. The cabinet condemned the martyrdom of 11 personnel of Pakistan Army, including an officer, in a recent suicide attack in Swat.

It took stock of the prevailing trends in the country’s political situation in the wake of upcoming general elections and expressed the need for caution in articulation of views about opponents in public gatherings as obnoxious language could vitiate ambiance for smooth holding of the polls.

Discussing the issues being faced by the sugarcane growers, it directed the provincial governments to fulfill their responsibility towards ensuring prompt payments at notified rates to the farmers by the sugar mills immediately.

The cabinet approved the signing of an MoU in the field of information between theCommittee on Television & Radio of the Government of Public of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage of Pakistan.

Signing of an MoU for cooperation in the field of labour and training between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Sultanate of Oman was also approved. The cabinet approved the signing of arrangements on mutual cooperation in the field of justice administration between the Ministry of Law and Justice of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tunisia.

The cabinet approved enforcement of the Costs of Litigation Act, 2017 with effect from 1st March 2018. It also approved a proposal for repatriation of Muhammad Naseem, Judge Banking Court-I Peshawar, to Peshawar High Court and appointment of Khawaja Wahij-ud-Din, District & Sessions Judge, as Judge Banking Court-I Peshawar, as recommended by Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court.

The cabinet also approved a proposal to appoint Syed Kausar Abbas Zaidi, District & Session Judge, as Judge Special Court (Anti-Terrorism-I), Islamabad. Appointment of Dr. Sheikh Akhtar Hussain against the post of Chief Executive Officer Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan for a period of three months was also approved.

The cabinet directed the Ministry of National Health Services to expedite the process of appointment of regular CEO of Drug Regulatory Authority. Approval of appointment of members of Board of Directors of Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSOCL) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) was also accorded. Approval in principle for legislation in respect of establishment of “Institute of Science and Technology Bahawalpur” was also accorded.