OUR CORRESPONDENT
Lahore: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr Asif Mahmood Jah has said that tax refunds are a fundamental right of the business community, not a special favor.
In a meeting on Thursday at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he informed that over Rs18 billion in refunds were credited to taxpayers’ accounts last month alone. He shared his directive to the FTO team to treat taxpayers with respect, act as their advocates, and offer guidance whenever needed.
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah highlighted that the time required to address taxpayer complaints has been cut down from 60 to 37 days, ensuring not only swift decisions but also effective implementation. Last year, 8,500 complaints were resolved, and 10,000 have been filed this year, with 9,500 already addressed. He added that decisions by the FTO are made under the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance and have been upheld by the President of Pakistan in 98% of cases.
Lahore remains the highest source of complaints, with 2,000 resolved in just the past month. Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah encouraged businesses to approach the FTO office for any issues. He highlighted the FTO’s commitment to resolving these matters and contributing to Pakistan’s development.
Shad praised Dr Asif Mahmood Jah’s leadership, citing the FTO’s role in addressing delays in tax refunds, clearing containers at ports, and providing relief in cases like student award fund deductions. He praised the public’s trust in the FTO, which is often sought out for enforcing tribunal and court rulings.
Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman said that the FTO has improved accessibility by accepting complaints through various channels, including a mobile app and WhatsApp. With 82% of complaints resolved on time in the first half of the year, he called it a model for other government bodies.
Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry recognized the FTO’s efforts in spreading awareness through sessions with business chambers and tax bars.
The LCCI leaders also paid tribute to Dr Asif Mahmood Jah for his humanitarian work through the Customs Healthcare Society, which provides free medical services and clean water projects across underserved areas. The meeting emphasized the FTO’s pivotal role in both tax justice and social welfare.
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