The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought a comprehensive report on the status of judge appointments in customs courts, following a petition demanding the establishment of tribunals in Southern Punjab to expedite smuggling and tax evasion cases.

During the proceedings, the assistant attorney general informed the court that a letter had been sent to the relevant authorities regarding judicial appointments. However, Justice Khalid Ishaq remarked that the issue could not be resolved merely through official correspondence and demanded a detailed report on whether judges had been appointed.

The petition was filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, an NGO, through Advocate Azhar Siddique, urging the court to direct the authorities to implement the Federal Government’s notification regarding the establishment of the Special Court (Customs, Taxation & Anti-Smuggling) in Multan.

The petitioner also called for the swift approval of proposals to set up additional tribunals in Southern Punjab, citing their importance in ensuring accountability for smuggling and tax-related offenses.

The plea highlighted the Federal government’s decision in May 2023 to establish five additional anti-smuggling courts to fast-track cases amid a nationwide crackdown on smuggling.

The Federal Cabinet had approved these courts through a summary presented by the Ministry of Law and Justice, designating locations in Karachi, Quetta, Chaman, Noshki, and Multan.

The petitioner argued that Punjab lacks sufficient customs courts, making it difficult to prosecute smugglers under the Customs Act, 1969.

Currently, accused individuals from various Punjab cities must travel to Lahore for hearings, leading to significant delays.

The establishment of dedicated courts in Southern Punjab would enable early hearings and expedite legal proceedings.

Similar challenges have been reported in Sindh and Balochistan, where delays in anti-smuggling cases have hindered legal actions.

Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to draft legislation to curb smuggling.

During a high-level meeting in Islamabad, he emphasised the need for the immediate activation of anti-smuggling courts to strengthen enforcement against the illegal trade of sugar, wheat, flour, and urea.