Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah has announced the opening of a help desk at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) to address tax issues faced by industrialists. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the public and business community about the services offered by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO).
Dr. Jah made this announcement while speaking to industrialists at KATI. The event was attended by KATI President Johar Qandhari, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Vice President Muslim Mohammadi, Standing Committee Chairman Tariq Malik, and other notable figures from the FTO including Dr. Faiz Elahi Memon, Badruddin Qureshi, Dr. Fazal Mohammad Abrejo, Gul Rehman, Abid Mehmood, and Shahid Nawaz. A large number of industrialists and members also participated.
Swift Resolution of Complaints
Dr. Jah emphasized that the FTO is committed to resolving complaints within 60 days, with recent decisions averaging 38 days. He highlighted the independence and authority of the FTO, noting that its decisions can only be appealed to the President of Pakistan. Of the 550 appeals filed with the President, 490 FTO decisions were upheld. In 2021, the FTO resolved a refund complaint amounting to Rs. 17.8 billion.
Improving Public Access
Since taking office, Dr. Jah has increased the number of regional offices to improve public access to the FTO. He cited the swift resolution of complaints from 800 individuals regarding sales tax on vehicles, resulting in refunds totaling Rs. 55 million. Dr. Jah assured taxpayers that they can report complaints without fear, and no unwarranted notices or audits would be issued.
Concerns from KATI Leadership
KATI President Johar Qandhari expressed concerns about the increasing harassment of industrialists and the business community by FBR officials through unjustified notices and audits. He noted the difficulties in filing tax returns due to the slow FBR system and the arbitrary withholding of refunds, which exacerbates capital shortages for industrialists. Qandhari pointed out the growing number of complaints to the FTO, indicating worsening taxpayer issues.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya criticized the government’s failure to expand the tax net, instead burdening existing taxpayers with additional taxes. He expressed concern that the recent budget increases would lead to more complaints to the FTO. Chhaya stressed the need to document more of the economy, which currently stands at only 30%.
Call for Greater Awareness
Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan emphasized the need for greater public and business awareness of the FTO’s role. He attributed decreased internal and external investment to loopholes in the tax system. Standing Committee Chairman Tariq Malik praised Dr. Jah’s efforts, noting a significant increase in the number of resolved complaints—from over 2,000 in 2021 to more than 8,000—attributed to Dr. Jah’s diligent work and the business community’s trust.
Event Highlights
The event concluded with KATI President Johar Qandhari presenting a shield to Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah. Other attendees included Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Zubair Chhaya, Nighat Awan, Muslim Mohammadi, and Tariq Malik.
This new help desk aims to make it easier for industrialists to resolve their tax issues, thereby fostering a more transparent and efficient tax system in Pakistan.