FTO Holds Advisory Committee Meeting and Public Awareness Seminar in Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Secretariat recently hosted a significant Advisory Committee meeting, succeeded by a public awareness seminar, at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The primary aim of this event was to enhance the interaction between taxpayers and the FTO Office, foster greater transparency, and promote a fairer and more responsive taxation system throughout Pakistan.

Federal Tax Ombudsman Asif Mahmood Jah and LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad jointly led the session. Attendees included senior officials from the FTO Secretariat, representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue, LCCI Executive Committee members, prominent figures in the business sector, tax experts, and members of civil society.

In his remarks, Asif Mahmood Jah emphasized the FTO’s dedication to protecting taxpayer rights and ensuring prompt, transparent, and unbiased resolution of grievances related to tax mismanagement. He updated participants on various initiatives launched by his office. These included forming advisory committees within major business chambers, conducting outreach activities nationwide, and introducing user-friendly digital platforms for submitting complaints.

He further noted the crucial role of Pakistan’s business community in the nation’s economic progress and assured that the FTO Office is fully committed to supporting them through readily available and free-of-charge mechanisms for addressing complaints. He urged taxpayers to utilize the ombudsman’s services to guarantee equity and accountability in tax administration.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad lauded the FTO for its proactive stance and its pivotal role in protecting the interests of the business community. He emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue among stakeholders and tax authorities, highlighting that platforms like the FTO effectively bridge trust gaps and facilitate smoother resolution of legitimate concerns.

Mian Abuzar Shad also advocated for the effective enforcement of FTO decisions and further simplification of the complaint submission procedure to broaden accessibility, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The subsequent Public Awareness Seminar featured comprehensive presentations on the FTO’s scope and authority, the categories of complaints it handles, and notable examples of successfully resolved cases. The session specifically sought to educate SMEs and new taxpayers about their entitlements and available support systems.

During an open discussion, stakeholders brought up key issues such as delays in tax refunds, frequent audits, and communication barriers with tax authorities. The FTO team acknowledged these concerns and assured participants of immediate follow-up and resolution.