RAWALPINDI ( WNAM REPORT): Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi paid a visit to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and addressed the business community, assuring full protection of taxpayers’ and relief-oriented measures.
Speaking on the occasion, the FTO said that every possible step would be taken to safeguard the rights of taxpayers. He emphasized that upcoming budget proposals would ensure an end to harassment of tax filers. He informed that now complaints against the FBR will be reviewed and fixed within a single day,” adding that his priority will be to provide maximum relief to the business community.
Almas Ali Jovindah Advisor (Legal) FTO informed that FTO has received more than 38000 complaints against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) during 2025 and 98 percent of the FTO’s recommendations were implementation by the FBR.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat, in his address, highlighted the importance of the Institution of Federal Tax Ombudsman , appreciated its role in timely resolution of business community’s ’ complaints. He said that the FTO has played an effective role in addressing issues faced by the business community.
Group Leader RCCI Sohail Altaf said that the confidence of the business community in the FTO office has significantly increased. He clarified that traders have no objection to paying taxes; rather, their concerns relate to the procedures adopted by FBR. He pointed out that as withholding agents, the business community collects and deposits taxes for FBR free of cost, yet no credit or recognition is given. He demanded that businessmen should be given the status of partners of FBR in tax collection.
Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents of RCCI, Vice President FPCCI Tariq Jadoon, Executive Committee members, and a large number of chamber members were also present on the occasion.
Federal Tax Ombudsman visits RCCI, assures full protection of taxpayers’ rights
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