The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), under the leadership of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, has released its Annual Report 2024, marking a record-breaking year in taxpayer grievance resolution. The report, presented to President Asif Ali Zardari, highlights the FTO’s exceptional achievements in addressing complaints against Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) maladministration and facilitating taxpayers across Pakistan.
Key Achievements of FTO in 2024:
Unprecedented Complaint Resolution:
- A record 13,506 complaints were registered in 2024, a dramatic increase compared to the 2,816 complaints filed in 2021 when Dr. Jah assumed office.
- 12,914 complaints were resolved during the year, reflecting growing taxpayer trust in the FTO.
High Success Rate of Decisions:
- FTO issued recommendations on 13,500 complaints, with only 336 cases challenged before the President.
- Out of 379 representations reviewed by the President (including carried-over cases), 326 decisions were made in favor of the FTO, showcasing a 94.7% implementation success rate.
Rapid Resolution and Financial Impact:
- The average time for complaint disposal was reduced to 34.11 days, with 1,705 cases resolved through informal dispute resolution under Section 33 of the FTO Ordinance.
- A significant Rs. 22.79 billion was refunded to taxpayers on FTO’s recommendations.
Taxpayer Empowerment Initiatives:
- The FTO conducted 270 outreach sessions nationwide to raise awareness among business communities and institutions.
- Initiatives such as the publication of a “Taxpayer Rights” booklet and a compendium of FTO orders empowered taxpayers with valuable insights.
Support for Marginalized Groups:
- Landmark decisions provided relief to low-paid contractual employees, teachers, and art students across Pakistan, addressing their unique challenges.
- Complaints from overseas Pakistanis were resolved effectively, many through informal mechanisms.
Youth Engagement and Global Recognition:
- The FTO launched an internship program involving 150 students from colleges and universities across Pakistan.
- Dr. Jah’s leadership extended internationally, with his election as the Secretary-General of the OIC Ombudsman Association and President of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman.
President Asif Ali Zardari’s Remarks:
President Zardari lauded the FTO’s extraordinary performance and expressed satisfaction with the efficient and taxpayer-friendly approach. He emphasized further facilitation for addressing taxpayer grievances and congratulated Dr. Jah and his team for their remarkable accomplishments.
The FTO’s Annual Report 2024 not only reflects its commitment to resolving tax-related complaints but also highlights its role in promoting accountability, transparency, and taxpayer empowerment in Pakistan.
