MULTAN: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah emphasized that “tax is the backbone of the economy” during the launch ceremony of his latest book Mohtasib Ki Diary, held at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering including Incharge FTO Regional Office Multan Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Legal Advisor FTO Islamabad Almas Ali Jundha, MCCI Vice President Azhar Baloch, Khawaja Muhammad Younis, Dr. Riaz Ranjha, MD National Book Foundation Kamran Jahangir, Naveed Iqbal Chughtai, Younis Ghazi, MCCI Secretary Muhammad Shafiq, along with renowned intellectuals, writers, business leaders, and civil society representatives.
Participants paid glowing tributes to Dr. Jah for his humanitarian work and persistent efforts to resolve taxpayers’ issues. In his address, Dr. Jah shared that his book is a reflection of meaningful experiences and insights gained during his tenure, aimed at emphasizing the importance of human connection and public service.
He reiterated the FTO’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, noting, “We have created facilities for taxpayers, and the President of Pakistan has endorsed 98 of our decisions — a strong indicator of public trust.” He highlighted the institution’s proactive role during natural disasters, including floods, and assured that the FTO’s services are now easily accessible, with complaints resolved swiftly through digital platforms.
Earlier, MCCI Senior Vice President Mohsin Masood Khawaja commended Dr. Jah for promoting corporate social responsibility and described Mohtasib Ki Diary as a testament to his dedication to public service.
However, Khawaja also voiced serious concerns over the recent amendments introduced through the Finance Act 2025–26. He criticized Sections 37-A and 37-B of the Act, which grant FBR officers the power to arrest, investigate, and detain, warning that such provisions could lead to harassment, corruption, and the violation of constitutional rights.
He further criticized Clause 21(S) of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, which disallows 50% of expenses if payments above Rs. 200,000 are made through non-banking channels. “This measure will severely impact SMEs and energy-related industries, discourage investment, and hurt exports,” he said. Despite repeated assurances from government officials, no notification has yet been issued to defer or repeal these controversial amendments. Khawaja urged Dr. Jah to use his office’s influence to address these issues and provide relief to the business community.
Prominent writers and columnists, including Khalid Masood Khan, Nawazish Ali Nadeem, Qamar Raza Shahzad, and Qaiser Abbas Sabir, also spoke at the event. They praised Mohtasib Ki Diary as a valuable source of guidance, especially for the youth, and lauded Dr. Jah’s commitment to public welfare and literary contribution.
