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Exploring ADR and Legal Landscape in Pakistan - Seminars on Dispute Resolution

Dive into the judicial system in Pakistan during a seminar on ADR, adjudication, appeals, and mediation at Regional Tax Office Karachi in February 2009. Understand the existing judicial landscape, prevalent ADR methods, challenges in public bodies' ADR initiatives, and reasons why the adversarial system is ineffective in Pakistan. Explore ADR-friendly legislation and mechanisms for redressing taxpayers' grievances, all under the overarching legal framework of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.

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Exploring ADR and Legal Landscape in Pakistan - Seminars on Dispute Resolution

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  1. SEMINAR ON EXPERIENCE OF ADRC Adjudication, Appeals & Mediation Justice Mushir Alam Director - Karachi Centre for Dispute Resolution At Regional Tax Office, Karachi, February9th, 2009 With the assistance of Approved by the HIGH COURT OF SINDH

  2. Existing Judicial Landscape • Pakistan follow Common Law system. • Adversarial mode of dispute resolution. • Commercial disputes are formally resolved through conventional Judicial/Court processes. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  3. Judicial Landscape and ADR • Quite a few commercial disputes go to Arbitration (mostly of contractual and statutory nature). • Arbitration is also adversarial dispute resolution mechanism but in private setting. • Finality of Arbitration is reached only when court sanctify it. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  4. Kinds of ADR prevalent in Pakistan • Customary or traditional ADR, i.e. - PUNCHAIYAT (Punjab) - JIRGA (Sindh,Baluchistan,NWFP & Federally Administered Tribal areas Bordering Afghanistan • Public Bodies based ADR • Arbitration Council, • ADRC, • Union Councils; and • Conciliation Courts. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  5. Why Public Bodies ADR initiatives ineffective in Pakistan • Introduced without research, need assessment and awareness campaign and confidence building measures. • Lack of concerted efforts. • Bureaucratic/political motives and interventions. • Lack of institutionalization and training. • Want of neutrality and independence. • General lack of faith/trust in public bodies. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  6. Why adversarial system not effective in Pakistan • Heavy Backlog: 1.5 Million Cases pending in Courts. • Shortage of Judges: SC 17, LHC 50,SHC 28,PHC 15,BHC 6 District Judiciary Punjab 649,Sindh 390,NWFP 177 & Balochistan 123. • Taxing: Financial & emotional (per doing Business Report 2009 Cost of Contract Enforcement in Pakistan involves 23.80% of the total claim). • Time delays: Per ‘Doing Business report 2009’ 975 days (i.e 5-10 years) consumed to enforce a contract. • Cumbersome Procedures (per doing Business Report 2009 Contract Enforcement in Pakistan involves 47 procedures) • Domino effect Real issue over shadowed by legal complexities, strained & diminished future relationship Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  7. ADR-Pakistan-Global perspective Bilateral, Regional and International landscape • Signatories and members of bilateral, Regional and International Treaties that entrench ADR mechanism in one or the other form. • Signatory to 36 bilateral Investment treaties. ECO, SAARC, WTO, UNITRAL,WIPO, New York Convention of 1958, MIGA and ICSID. • “Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation”. Pakistan has such agreements with 55 countries introducing concept of “advance ruling”;. .. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  8. Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 ADR silver lining • Article 153 and 154 ( Council of Common Interest). • Article 156 ( National Economic Council) • Article 160 ( National Finance Commission) • Article 184 ( SC original jurisdiction to resolve any dispute between two or more Governments) Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  9. ADR friendly legislation in Pakistan • Small Claims and Minor Offenses Court Ordinance 2001. • Section 102-106 of the Local Government Ordinance 2001 • Section 10 & 12 of Family Courts Act 1964 • Section 345 of Code of Criminal Procedure 1898. • Through Finance Bill ADR drafted in following Tax Laws • - Sec. 134-A of I. T Ord. 2001 R/w Rule 231-C of the I. T Rules-02 • - Sec. 47 of the Sales Tax Act 1990 and Ch. X of the S.T Rules-04 • - Sec. 195-C of the Customs Act 1969, Ch.XVII of Cust. Rules 2001 • - Sec. 38 of the Fed.Excise Act 2005 R/w Rule 53 of FE Rules 2005 • - Section 23 of Industrial Relation Ordinance. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  10. REDRESSING GRIEVANCES OF THE TAX PAYERS • i. Show Cause Notice is necessarily issued before making assessment/ adjudication • ii. Revision of the assessment order by the Commissioner/ Collector. • B) Formal Appeals With the department: i. Commissioner of Appeals or the Collector of Appeals by the taxpayers • ii. Income Tax Appellate Tribunals (functions under the Law & Justice Ministry) (it is a Final forum to decide the question of fact - By either Party). Superior Courts • iii. A reference on the question of law before the High Courts, raised by either Party • iv.On the issue of public importance, a constitution petition for leave to appeal CPLA before the Supreme Court. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  11. Exploring options other than Appeals for resolving tax disputes • C) Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism A taxpayer, during pendency of appeal, can make an application to the FBR to constitute ADR Committee for resolution of his dispute. The Chairman as well as a Member of the Committee are appointed from private sector, while a Member also represent the department. The recommendations of the Committee are submitted to the Board for its appropriate order. The Board may or may not accept the said recommendations. • D) Federal Tax Ombudsman Indirectly controls the mal-administration of the department’s officers and grants relief to the taxpayers where instances of the mal-administration are pointed out. Representation against the decision of FTO lies with the President of Pakistan (through Law & Justice Ministry). • E) Representation to the Chairman, FBR. A taxpayer may submit a representation under section 7 of the FBR Act, 2007 to the Chairman, FBR who may issue appropriate order. * For foreign investment/N.R companies: * Concept of “advance ruling”; implementation of the provisions of the agreement for avoidance of double taxation is faithfully done. Pakistan has such agreements with 55 countries. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  12. STATEMENT OF DISPOSAL AND PENDENCY OF APPEALS (DIRECT TAXES) PERIOD 2004-2005 TO AUGUST, 2008 • First Appeal (DT) = 81649 • First appeal IDT = 24696 • First appeal decided = 106,345 Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  13. MPRs OF COMMISSIONERS (APPEALS) FOR THE PERIOD FROM JULY,08 TO AUGUST, 08 * During August, 08 three (03) more CsIT (A) offices established in Islamabad, Lahore & Karachi Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  14. POSITION OF CASES PENDING IN HIGH COURTS Major Issues: (i) Income Tax (a) 122(5A) (b) 170(4) (ii) Valuation Customs (iii) Vehicles tampered (iv) Sales – Basis of production/sale value. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  15. POSITION OF CASES PENDING IN SUPREME COURT OF PAKISTAN Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  16. FIRST APPEALSPOSITION OF DISPOSAL & PENDENCY OF APPEALS CASES (CUSTOMS, SALES TAX & FEDERAL EXCISE) FOR THE PERIOD 2004-2005 TO AUGUST, 2008 Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  17. FEDRAL BOARD OF REVENUE Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  18. POSITION OF PENDENCY OF INCOME TAX CASES IN APPEALS AS ON 31.8.08 Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi Balance 40% of tax would be involved. Rs.5 to 7 Billion net can come in

  19. POSITION OF PENDENCY OF APPEALS (CUSTOMS, SALES TAX AND FEDERAL EXCISE)AS ON 31.08.2008) Balance 40% of tax involved. 2% or about Rs.4 Billion would be recoverable Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  20. D Main Issues pending before Supreme Court Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  21. SYNOPSIS OF MAJOR ISSUES SETTLED THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LEGAL WING – FOLLOW UP OF THE ADRC / SECTION 7 OF THE FBR ACT. • S.NO. IssueDecision • 1. WAPDA/VOITH Hydro Kraft & • other German Companies Decided in our favor • (ADRC related controversy) • 2. Sindh Energy Ltd Decided in our favor • Suo moto 15 cases of Poultry Feeds -do- • Diamond Industry • (inadmissible refund claim -do- • of Rs.200 million) • General Tyre rubber co. -do- • (ADRC controversy) • S-Tax Extension to FATA/PATA Through Cabinet decision, Rs.1.3 billion realized from 9 companies • 7. Fecto Belarus S.C refund case of Rs.493 million • M/s Ashraf/Bilour Ghee Units • (taxes & duties on manufacture settled • in bond) • Procter & Gamble Issue of sales tax on retail price where the item was not covered by the third schedule of Sales • Tax Act, 1990– settled Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  22. IDT POSITION OF DISPOSAL & PENDENCY OF ADJUDICATION CASES Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  23. STATEMENT SHOWING TOTAL INSTITUTION AND DISPOSAL OF COMPLAINTS BY FEDERAL TAX OMBUDSMAN Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  24. SUMMARIZED POSITION OF THE DECISIONS RECEIVED FROM THE PRESIDENT ON REPRESENTATIONS FILED UPTO 31.08.2008 (FTO CASES) Representations to the President are about 30 per month. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  25. TAX WISE PROGRESS ADRC (AS ON 30.06.2008) *It was 835 as on 30.09.2007. This shows interest in the system. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  26. ADRC regime is a hybrid. Combination ofnegotiation, mediation and arbitration.Final decision is given by the party to the dispute i.e, FBR. A feature that raises more question than answer. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  27. FBR Dependent System- ADRC recommendations not binding but have to be approved by FBR. FBR a revenue collecting agency or Judicial Apparatus.FBR’s rejection of ADRC recommendations adversely affects the neutrality of subordinate formation. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  28. Ensuring Neutrality and Transparency-HOW? • ADRC-Secretariat to be made Independent Institutionalized and autonomous. • Minimum and standardized ADRC members qualification and disqualification criteria to be prescribed. Both for Department+3rd party neutral. • Accreditation of qualified professional mediators protocol be introduced. • Periodic performance evaluations-Research+ Development component be added. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  29. ………HOW? • Time limit to be prescribed and followed. • Flexibility in the process- mediation-expert evaluation-mediation-settlement • Made part of departmental and educational curriculum • Training, skill development, capacity building • Promote/sponsor ADR institutes and centers Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  30. Commercial Mediation: Legal Implications • No special Law for Mediation in Pakistan. • Section 89-A of Civil Procedure Code 1908 contains clause for referral of a dispute pending adjudication for mediation/conciliation. • Law Reform Act 2007 contained amendment to Section 89-A of CPC 1908. The Law was not approved by Senate of Pakistan and lapsed as a result. • Mediation clauses have recently been started to be drafted in commercial contracts. • Unless there is a special law on mediation or a detailed clause in existing procedural law on mediation, it is difficult to see positive legal implication of commercial mediation. • Court ADR rules detailing mediation is ready to be issued in official Government gazette. • With a settlement agreement, mediation brings end to a dispute with restricted opportunities for appeals. It brings litigation to an end. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  31. Commercial Mediation: Practical Implication • Judiciary lacks formal sensitization on ADR/Mediation and Case Management. • Lawyers stay away from requesting courts to refer disputes for mediation. • Clauses mentioning mediation are hardly used. • Few Judges offer mediation option to parties as this may develop suspicion on part of litigants and their legal counsels. • Cost saving. • Time saving. • Reduction of caseload in courts. • Continued business relationship. • Creation of trust and sustained communication. • Release of business assets and economic growth. • Supports SME’s. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  32. Post IFC Intervention in Pakistan – Legal & Practical Implication of Commercial Mediation • MoU signed between Ministry of Law and IFC in 2005. • MoU signed between Sindh High Court and IFC in 2005. • Referral and Enforcement system at Sindh High Court developed with reference to institutionalized mediations at Karachi Centre for Dispute Resolution (KCDR). • KCDR established as first mediation centre in the country and having a complete apparatus for itself, mediations & mediators. • ADR rules of Sindh High Court developed and finalized. • Section 89-A of Civil Procedure Code started to being used for referral of disputes to KCDR for mediation. • Judges and Lawyers being sensitized to ADR and mediation. • Businesses attend presentations and awareness events organized on mediation. • Commercial mediation has taken off but a sustained awareness program is required for greater buy in of mediation and referral of disputes. • Culture of litigation is being challenged and success stories reflect resolution of disputes through mediation in a short span of time. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  33. Post IFC Intervention in Pakistan – Major Achievements • IFC ADR Project trained 72 professionals of diverse fields in commercial mediation. • 49 professionals belonging to legal, banking, accounting and other professions attained accreditation in mediation from CEDR (UK ). • 12 Accredited Mediators attain status of Master Trainer. • Mediators and Master Trainers registered at KCDR. • Disputes worth US$ 17m resolved including trans-boundary disputes. • Bulk Cases from banking sector referred to KCDR. • Training for lawyers to be held in December 2008. • 3 Specialised Trainings delivered through Master Trainers: • - 1 Conflict Resolution Course for Corporate Sector. • - 2 Training Workshops for Judicial Officers in Sindh Province of Pakistan. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  34. Post IFC Intervention in Pakistan – Development Impact • IFC ADR Project has made progress in a very challenging environment. • With a reputable Board of Governors, KCDR is becoming a well recognised entity. • IFC ADR Project has been building capacity of lawyers and other professionals which was either ignored or not a priority for other stakeholders. • With continued intervention and support of stakeholders, sustainability could be achieved in another 2-3 years. • KCDR is marketing its Corporate Membership for increasing its revenue. • KCDR plans to establish a research and development unit so that it can contribute to developing field of Mediation in Karachi and Pakistan. • Beneficiaries will be able to save time and cost of litigation which is urgently required in current economic situation. Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

  35. Thank You Q & A Application of ADRC, Adjudication,Appeals & Mediation at Regional Tax Office,Karachi

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