IN what could be called a revolutionary step aimed at facilitating the entrepreneurs, Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmad inaugurated the country’s first commercial court at Lahore Judicial Complex on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, the CJP termed commercial courts crucial for progress of country’s economy, adding the cases related to businesses needed to be decided without any delay as they had an indirect effect on economy.
Punjab government following a process of consultation with the Lahore High Court had promulgated Punjab Commercial Courts Ordinance under ease of doing business reform framework to establish the commercial courts.
On this important milestone, both Usman Buzdar government and the LHC deserve appreciation for taking the lead and fulfilling longstanding demand of the business community.
While a beginning has been made, there should not be any delay in establishing these courts in other major cities of the province. Other federating units should also follow the suit to further improve country’s ease of doing business ranking.
We understand the very initiative of commercial courts will not only strengthen expertise of the judiciary but also instil greater trust in the business community to invest and provide much needed impetus to the economy.
Economic and social progress cannot be achieved without improving the access to justice and effective protection of the rights of businesses.
The speedy and expeditious disposal of commercial claims undoubtedly will go a long way in uplifting commerce and trade in the country.
Additionally, specialised commercial courts provide distinct expertise needed for speedy disposal of such cases.
The relevant ordinance passed by the provincial government is indeed comprehensive as it provides for upgradation of case management tools and court automation along with promotion of alternative dispute resolution methods, thereby reducing pendency of cases.
Furthermore, it provides for a secretariat and registrar to ensure accountability and efficient governance of commercial courts.
We are confident that this ordinance will be given the shape of a proper law after passage from the provincial assembly and opposition parties must be forthcoming to get it approved as on such matters there should not be any politics.
Entrepreneurs are backbone of our economy and their investments help provide job opportunities to our youth besides exports.
Therefore, both federal and provincial governments must leave no stone unturned to facilitate them in order to realise long cherished goal of sustainable economic growth.
