Islamabad High Court Resolves Rs506 Billion Tax Disputes

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has marked a milestone in expediting the disposal of long-pending cases, particularly in tax and revenue matters, as highlighted in its latest annual report. The court’s efforts, combined with administrative and technological reforms, aim to strengthen judicial efficiency and enhance public confidence.

Aligned with the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee’s directions, the Chief Justice implemented targeted measures to manage prolonged cases effectively and streamline overall case administration.

Rs506 Billion in Tax Cases Resolved

To address the backlog, IHC established specialized division benches dedicated exclusively to tax and revenue matters. Two key benches were formed: one comprising Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, and the other Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas. At one stage, Justice Babar Sattar also sat with Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz on tax-related cases.

Between April 1, 2025, and February 4, 2026, these benches resolved 788 tax cases totaling approximately Rs506.13 billion. Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan disposed of 306 cases amounting to over Rs16.02 billion, while Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz handled 304 cases worth Rs33.92 billion. Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas concluded 178 cases amounting to Rs456.18 billion. The initiative has significantly reduced pendency and allowed earlier realization of revenues tied up in litigation.

Technology and Digital Reforms

The court introduced technology-driven measures to accelerate proceedings. Notices are now issued via email and WhatsApp in addition to traditional methods, with dedicated revenue department focal persons ensuring timely service. A dedicated police cell within the court also expedited over 3,000 bail applications during the past year.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for video-link hearings have been implemented, enabling under-trial prisoners and official witnesses, including FIA, NADRA, FSL, and PTA officers, to appear remotely while maintaining mandatory physical attendance for critical proceedings under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Further digital integration with law enforcement, including the FIA and Islamabad police, is underway to allow real-time access to FIRs and investigation records, reinforcing the court’s commitment to efficiency and transparency.

“This initiative substantially reduced pendency and facilitated early release of revenue previously tied up in litigation,” the IHC report states.