The International Mediation & Arbitration Centre (IMAC), Ministry of Law & Justice successfully conducted a One-Day Executive Training on Tax Dispute Resolution through ADR at COMSTECH Islamabad.  The training aimed to enhance the understanding and application of the ADR mechanism in tax governance, fostering a constructive dialogue on the institutionalization of ADR in resolving tax disputes efficiently. It brought together retired judges of the high courts, government officers, legal experts, business leaders, and taxprofessionals. 

The Chief Guest, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar Federal Minister for Law & Justice, emphasized the importance of ADR in ensuring expeditious tax dispute resolution and reducing litigation burdens. “The ADR system already present in our culture has been refined by the legal framework. It can be helpful to unlocking revenue of trillions of rupees stuck up before various courts in litigation” he stated. Secretary Law & Justice Raja Naeem Akbar emphasized continuity of such capacity building programs for the stakeholders throughout the Pakistan. 

The Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), acknowledged the need for alternative mechanisms in tax dispute resolution. “FBR is committed to integrating ADR within its processes to ensure fair and transparent tax administration. Such ADR sessions may also be extended to big business hubs like Karachi and Lahore.” he remarked. Key speakers, Dr. Umar A. Oseni, Secretary General of OIC-Arbitration Centre, Mr. Mir Badshah Khan Wazir, Member Legal, FBR, and Mian Sheraz Javaid, Barrister & Arbitrator, highlighted international best practices in tax dispute resolution and the benefits of ADR in reducing tax litigation.  

They elaborated the operationalization of ADR within the FBR tax administration system. IMAC, the recently established under the umbrella of Ministry of law & Justice, has successfully conducted a series of capacity building workshops to institutionalize the ADR mechanism amongst various legal fraternity, business chambers, government officers and serving and retired judges.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)