[HA_Law_Graduate]

1-    Civil Courts:

In a civil case in Pakistan, proceedings start when the plaintiff files a plaint, upon which the court issues summons to the defendant under Order V of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC). The summons, which serves as formal notice, may be delivered through personal service by a process server (bailiff), registered post with acknowledgment due (AD), or courier/electronic means if permitted by the court. If these methods fail, the court may order substituted service, such as publication in a widely circulated newspaper under Order V Rule 20. Once served, the defendant is required to appear and file a written statement in response to the claims. A special feature of this process is that the defendant must be given reasonable time before the hearing, since strict adherence to service rules is essential for the maintainability of any decree. If the defendant appears and contests, the matter proceeds to trial; but if they fail to respond despite proof of proper service, the court may proceed ex-parte and decide the case based on the plaintiff’s evidence.

 

2-    Criminal Courts:

In criminal cases in Pakistan, proceedings usually begin with the registration of an FIR or the filing of a complaint, after which the court issues summons or warrant under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Summons may be served through personal delivery by a serving officer (sections 68–74 CrPC), while notices to witnesses may also be sent by registered post. If the accused absconds or avoids service, the court may order proclamation proceedings under sections 87–89 CrPC, which involve publication in a newspaper and affixation of the notice on the accused’s residence. The accused is required to appear before the court to answer the charges, seek bail, or contest the case. A special feature of criminal procedure is that service is applied more strictly than in civil cases, to safeguard the liberty of the accused. If the accused still fails to appear despite due service, the court may issue bailable or non-bailable warrants, attach property, and in some cases proceed against the accused in absentia as permitted by law.

 

3-    Tax Authorities/Tribunals:

In tax matters in Pakistan, proceedings usually start when the tax authority issues a show-cause notice, assessment order, or when a taxpayer files an appeal before a tribunal under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 or other fiscal statutes. The notice mechanism includes service by registered post or courier (section 218 ITO), electronic service through the IRIS portal, and if these remain unserved, by affixation at the taxpayer’s last known address. A key special feature here is that tax tribunals are independent quasi-judicial bodies meant to resolve disputes and ensure accountability of the tax authority, and unlike civil courts under the CPC, service is deemed valid once dispatched to the taxpayer’s registered address, without requiring personal delivery. The taxpayer must then respond by filing a reply or appearing for hearing; if they fail to do so despite valid service, the tribunal may proceed ex parte and decide the matter on record, which can result in assessment of additional tax, penalties, or enforcement of recovery.

 

4-    Banking Courts:

In the Banking Courts of Pakistan, proceedings start when a financial institution files a recovery suit under the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001. The court then issues summons to the defendant, which may be served through courier, registered post, or bailiff, and if these fail, substituted service through publication in newspapers may be ordered. The defendant is required to file a written statement within the prescribed period, usually 30 days, to admit or contest liability. A special feature of this system is that banking suits are summary in nature, where expedited service of notice is emphasized to prevent delay in recoveries, and in certain cases High Courts also exercise jurisdiction as Banking Courts. If the defendant appears, the matter proceeds to trial; however, if they fail to respond despite valid service, the court may proceed ex-parte and pass a decree in favor of the financial institution, which can then be swiftly executed through attachment and sale of the debtor’s property.

 

5-    Consumer Courts

In the Consumer Courts of Pakistan, proceedings begin when a consumer files a written complaint under the provincial Consumer Protection Act. Once admitted, the court issues summons to the opposite party, which are commonly served through registered post with acknowledgment due (AD) or courier service, and if these remain un-served, by affixation at the respondent’s premises. A key special feature is that consumer laws stress quick and summary disposal of cases, so service is usually affected by post or courier with less reliance on bailiffs to avoid delays. The accused party is required to appear and submit a reply within the given time; if they contest, the matter proceeds with evidence and hearings. However, if they fail to respond despite valid service, the Consumer Court may proceed ex-parte and pass an order in favor of the complainant, which may include directions for refund, replacement, compensation, or penalties.