Pm Takes Action Against Officials Neglecting Legal Appeals

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government operations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a firm stance against officials who neglect their responsibilities regarding legal appeals. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has issued clear instructions to all ministries and divisions, emphasizing the importance of filing Intra Court Appeals (ICAs) and Civil Petitions for Leave to Appeal (CPLAs) within the designated time frames. This decision comes in light of the observed delays in handling cases filed by litigants, including government employees, which has been a growing concern.

During a Cabinet meeting held on August 2, 2024, the Prime Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of attention given to these legal matters. He pointed out that the failure to file appeals in a timely manner not only hampers the judicial process but also leads to cases becoming time-barred. This situation can result in significant losses for the government, as unresolved cases can affect administrative decisions and overall governance.

To address these issues, the Prime Minister has outlined several directives. Firstly, he has mandated that all ministries and divisions develop a Case Management System, similar to the one used by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), to effectively track the status of cases and appeals. This system is expected to be regularly updated to ensure that no case is overlooked. Secondly, the Prime Minister has instructed that all cases and appeals must be actively pursued in the relevant courts and tribunals, in close coordination with the Ministry of Law and Justice. Lastly, he has made it clear that ICAs and CPLAs must be filed within the stipulated time limits. Failure to comply will result in accountability measures against the responsible officials.

In response to the Prime Minister's directives, Asma Hoori, Chief (Legal-1) at the FBR, has reached out to all ministries to gather information on ongoing cases. The FBR has recognized the need for a robust tracking system, known as the Litigation Management System (LMS), to streamline the process. To facilitate this, the Legal Wing-IR of the FBR has organized a joint session for all ministries and divisions. This session aims to provide an overview of the LMS dashboard, allowing officials to understand how to utilize the system effectively and address any questions they may have.

This initiative by the Prime Minister is a crucial step towards improving the efficiency of government operations and ensuring that legal matters are handled with the urgency they deserve. By implementing a structured approach to case management, the government aims to reduce delays and enhance accountability among officials. As citizens, it is essential to recognize the importance of timely legal processes, as they directly impact the effectiveness of governance and the delivery of justice. The Prime Minister's actions reflect a commitment to fostering a more responsive and responsible government, ultimately benefiting the public at large.