MULTAN: The Federal Tax Ombudsman’s Office held a Public Awareness Seminar at the Governor House with Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar as the special guest for awareness session.
On this occasion, Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah (Sitara-e- Imtiaz, Hilal-e- Imtiaz) informed that tax collection is fundamental to run a State. A fair, just, efficient and simple taxation system is crucial to induce confidence amongst the people to pay their taxes as their national obligations. He further stated that to address taxpayers’ grievance promptly and without any hassle, an effective redressal system is vital.
In 1983, the office of Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman)’s Secretariat was created to check maladministration in federal departments he added. Later on, to alleviate taxpayer’s problems and difficulties and to enhance ease of doing business, institution of Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) was established in year 2000. After its inception, this institution has provided relief to thousands of aggrieved tax payers and has played significant role to address the prevalent maladministration in taxation system.
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah assured the taxpayers that solving their problems would be their top priority and it will also increase the tax net and he highlighted great detail about the intentions of the Federal Tax Ombudsman.
Chief Guest Government Punjab Ch. Sarwar said that taxpayers deserve to receive a fair treatment and FTO said that taxpayer’s grievances will be redressed instantly and “complaint portal” will also be launched soon.
On this occasion, Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich, Dr. Fayyaz Ranjha, Prof. M A Rauf addressed the gathering and Hafiz Muhammad Ozaifa recited the Holy Quran.
The event was attended by regional tax ombudsmen from across the country, business representatives, factory owners, chamber of commerce, senior FBR officials and others and very constructive conversation. The participants appreciated the organization of the program.
The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi was supposed to attend the function but he could not attend due to his busy schedule.
