The Islamabad High Court (IHC), in its annual report, has highlighted significant progress in expeditious case disposal, particularly in tax and revenue matters, alongside a series of wide-ranging administrative and technological reforms aimed at strengthening judicial efficiency and public confidence.
In line with policy directions of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), the Chief Justice initiated targeted administrative measures to address long-pending cases and improve overall case management.
Rs506 Billion in Tax Cases Decided
A key initiative was the constitution of specialized division benches to exclusively hear tax and revenue matters, which had remained pending for years and were impacting public revenue realization.
Two dedicated division benches were formed to hear tax references. One bench comprised Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, while the other included Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas. At one stage, Justice Babar Sattar also sat with Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz on tax matters.
Between April 1, 2025 and February 4, 2026, the specialized tax benches decided 788 cases involving approximately Rs506.13 billion.
According to the report, Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan disposed of 306 cases involving over Rs16.02 billion.
Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz decided 304 cases involving Rs33.92 billion. Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas disposed of 178 cases involving Rs456.18 billion.
The court stated that the initiative substantially reduced pendency and facilitated early release of revenue previously tied up in litigation.
Technology Integration and Digital Measures
To accelerate proceedings, the court introduced technology-driven mechanisms. Dedicated focal persons from revenue departments were appointed to ensure timely service of notices. Notices are now issued through electronic means, including WhatsApp and email, alongside conventional methods.
The IHC also established a dedicated police cell within court premises to expedite service of notices in bail matters. As a result, over 3,000 bail applications were disposed of during the past year.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for video-link proceedings were approved, enabling under-trial prisoners to attend routine hearings remotely, while maintaining mandatory physical appearance for framing of charges and recording of statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Official witnesses, including officers from agencies such as FIA, NADRA, FSL and PTA, are also permitted to appear via video link under strict procedural safeguards.
The court is further working to integrate its digital systems with law enforcement agencies, including the FIA and Islamabad police stations, to allow real-time access to FIRs and investigation records.
