FTO Convenes Meeting, Seminar at Lahore Chamber of Commerce

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

The aim of the event was to enhance cooperation between taxpayers and the FTO Office, promote openness, and foster a fairer and more taxpayer-responsive tax system throughout Pakistan.

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

In his remarks, Asif Mahmood Jah stated that the FTO is dedicated to protecting taxpayers’ rights and offering prompt, transparent, and unbiased resolution of complaints related to tax maladministration. He updated attendees on several initiatives launched by his office, such as forming advisory committees in major business chambers, conducting outreach activities nationwide, and implementing user-friendly digital platforms for submitting complaints.

He further noted that Pakistan’s business sector is crucial for national economic progress, and the FTO Office is fully committed to assisting them through easily accessible and free grievance procedures. He urged taxpayers to utilize the ombudsman’s services to ensure justice and accountability in tax administration.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad praised the FTO for its proactive stance and essential role in protecting the interests of the business community. He emphasized the significance of ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and tax authorities, noting that platforms like the FTO effectively bridge trust gaps and facilitate smoother resolution of legitimate issues.

Mian Abuzar Shad also advocated for the effective enforcement of FTO rulings and further simplification of the complaint submission process to improve accessibility, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The subsequent Public Awareness Seminar featured detailed presentations on the FTO’s scope and authority, the types of complaints it handles, and notable success stories of resolved cases. The session specifically aimed to educate SMEs and new taxpayers about their rights and available support systems.

During the open discussion, stakeholders raised crucial 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.