A meeting between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission and the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) was held in Islamabad on Monday to address critical issues affecting Pakistan’s judicial system and its broader economic environment.
The meeting, led by SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, focused on improving judicial efficiency, contract enforcement, and property rights protection—key areas that the IMF believes directly impact foreign investment and economic growth.
Attending the meeting were the Presidents of the High Court Bar Associations of Balochistan and Sindh, Mir Atta Ullah Langove and Barrister Sarfraz Metlo, respectively. The session lasted for more than an hour and discussed several areas of concern, particularly judicial efficiency, which the IMF mission highlighted as a core issue.
The SCBAP president outlined ongoing efforts to enhance judicial efficiency in Pakistan. He noted the introduction of an e-filing system by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), which replaces the traditional filing system, as well as improvements in case management to expedite the disposal of pending cases. Additionally, the introduction of video link facilities in the Supreme Court aims to streamline operations and reduce delays.
Furthermore, the SCBAP President highlighted the recently introduced 26th Constitutional Amendment, which aims to improve judicial independence and efficiency. Under this amendment, a constitutional bench has been formed to handle complex, high-profile political and constitutional cases, thereby reducing court congestion for regular work.
Another important initiative discussed was the institutional system that monitors the performance of judges, with a focus on improving the accountability and effectiveness of the judiciary at all levels.
In terms of contract enforcement, the IMF mission raised concerns over delays and procedural inefficiencies. The SCBAP President responded by acknowledging the issue but assured the mission that the government is working towards creating a conducive environment to attract foreign investment. Specialised courts and benches are being established to deal specifically with contract enforcement matters.
Regarding property rights, the mission was informed that Articles 23 and 24 of Pakistan’s Constitution safeguard the right to own property, and efforts are being made to strengthen anti-encroachment laws and enforcement mechanisms.
The meeting concluded with both sides emphasising the need for economic and political stability, as well as good governance, to address the challenges facing the judicial system and improve Pakistan’s investment climate. The SCBAP President stressed that the rule of law is the cornerstone for achieving these goals.
The IMF mission agreed to follow up by sharing a questionnaire on the discussed issues with the SCBAP, seeking detailed responses along with proposals and suggestions to address the concerns raised.
