Karachi: The 5th meeting of the FPCCI Advisory Committee on “Trade & Regulatory Laws” engaged in an extensive discussion on various matters, with a particular focus on the need for a centralized mechanism for the circulation of decisions made by Adjudication Collectorates.
During the meeting, Convener of Committee Sharjeel Jamal was observed that there is currently no centralized mechanism in place to ensure the widespread circulation of these decisions among trade bodies. This poses a challenge as it hampers the ability of stakeholders to refer to past precedents on identical issues. In contrast, various courts of law, including the country’s apex court and high courts, maintain centralized libraries where information on decisions and precedents is readily available. Such resources are effectively utilized by stakeholders to gather insights on similar issues and ensure the consistency of court decisions.
To address this disparity and promote transparency, it was deemed imperative that decisions made by adjudication collectorates be shared with the FPCCI head office and made available on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) website. This would enable stakeholders to access the information they need, benefiting from the past precedents whenever required.
Establishing a centralized mechanism for sharing adjudication collectorates’ decisions would not only enhance transparency but also contribute to the coherence of court judgments. By referring to past precedents, courts can issue comprehensive decisions that align with previous rulings, reducing conflicts and inconsistencies.
The FPCCI Advisory Committee emphasized the importance of maintaining a transparent and accessible repository of decisions to facilitate trade bodies and stakeholders in their day-to-day operations. By adopting such a mechanism, the committee aims to strengthen the legal framework, promote consistency, and ensure a level playing field for all parties involved.
The FPCCI remains committed to actively engaging with stakeholders and relevant authorities to implement effective measures that facilitate trade and regulatory compliance. The committee’s efforts are geared towards creating an environment conducive to growth, fair trade practices, and adherence to regulatory laws in Pakistan.