Abdul Ghani 

 In a significant development for Pakistan's taxation system, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has appointed Muhammad Zafar ul Haq Hijazi as the new Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), Wealth Pakistan reports. The appointment was notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice on December 2 in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3(1) of the Establishment of the Office of Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000 (XXXV of 2000) and Section 3 of the Federal Ombudsmen Institutional Reforms Act, 2013.

Mr. Hijazi's appointment is for a term of four years, which will begin soon after taking the oath of office. Hijazi’s appointment is seen as an important step toward reinforcing the country’s tax administration framework and addressing taxpayer concerns. The Federal Tax Ombudsman is an independent office tasked with investigating complaints related to maladministration, inefficiencies, and unjust practices in Pakistan’s federal tax system. The FTO plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the tax machinery by addressing taxpayer complaints, resolving disputes, and suggesting necessary reforms to improve its overall functioning.

This position is especially critical, as Pakistan's tax administration has been under scrutiny for inefficiencies and a lack of taxpayer trust. The ombudsman is expected to help streamline the process, ensuring that the citizens' grievances are dealt with fairly and swiftly. The announcement has already been disent sseminated to key government departments, including the President's Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office, Supreme Court of Pakistan, and various other government bodies related to taxation and legal reforms.

The appointment is also supported by several officials, including those from the Federal Tax Ombudsman’s Secretariat and the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenue. These individuals will assist in facilitating Mr. Hijazi’s work. Taxpayers and stakeholders in the business and finance sectors express hope that Hijazi’s leadership will bring about positive changes in how tax-related complaints and issues are handled. His background in managing complex administrative and financial matters will likely be an asset in navigating the challenges faced by the FTO office.

The appointment comes at a time when there is a growing need for enhanced transparency and efficiency in Pakistan's tax system, which has long been burdened by issues such as tax- evasion, bureaucratic delays, and taxpayer dissatisfaction. As Federal Tax Ombudsman, Hijazi is also expected to propose systemic changes to improve the overall functioning of the tax system.

Credit: INP-WealthPk