ISLAMABAD : Inordinate delays in the issuance of judicial orders at the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR), Islamabad, have created severe distress for taxpayers, raising critical questions regarding institutional efficiency and due process.
According to details, an appeal heard over 720 days ago (August 2024) before Bench-III at the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, Islamabad, remains without the issuance or delivery of any final judgment. The issue was further compounded when the Tribunal’s online portal reflected an order date of September 12, 2025, despite no hearing notice or decision ever being served upon the taxpayer or their legal counsel.
Invocation of the Right of Access to Information Act
Taking serious exception to these procedural anomalies, the taxpayer has formally approached the Registrar, Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, Islamabad, under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017. The communication specifically seeks statistical data regarding cases assigned to and decided by the Senior Member of Bench-III within 10 days to ensure transparency and accountability in case disposal.
Lack of Inquiry and Systemic Concerns
This development comes shortly after an earlier representation submitted by a tax advocate to the Chairman ATIR, Ministry of Law & Justice, Prime Minister’s Performance Delivery Unit (PMDU), and Chairman FBR, highlighting similar procedural delays.
The absence of any formal inquiry into the previous representation, coupled with recurring instances of uncommunicated decisions, continues to raise alarming concerns over the tax adjudication process. Legal experts emphasize that “justice delayed is justice denied”.