RAWALPINDI: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi has announced a new facilitation policy under which small-value tax refunds will be issued within 8 to 10 days, aiming to provide swift relief to taxpayers and improve confidence in the tax system.
The announcement was made during his official visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where he addressed the business community and reaffirmed the FTO’s commitment to protecting taxpayers’ rights. This marked Hijazi’s first visit to any chamber of commerce since assuming charge as Federal Tax Ombudsman.
Speaking to traders and industrialists, the FTO said the business community remains his top priority, stressing that the core mandate of the ombudsman’s office is to restore trust between taxpayers and tax authorities through timely and effective grievance redressal.
He revealed that a new complaint-handling mechanism has been introduced to replace the earlier system in which files circulated for weeks across departments. Under the revised process, complaints will now be directly assigned to the relevant advisor, ensuring faster resolution.
Hijazi further disclosed that the registration of complaints and filing of appeals against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been reduced to just one day, adding that appeals will also be scheduled within the same timeframe. He said future budget proposals would focus on ending harassment of tax filers and improving taxpayer facilitation.
During the seminar, RCCI leadership congratulated Hijazi on his appointment and expressed optimism that his extensive professional experience would enhance the performance and credibility of the FTO institution.
Advisor (Legal) to the FTO, Almas Ali Jovindah, informed participants that the FTO has achieved notable recognition at the international level. He disclosed that over 38,000 complaints against FBR were received in 2025, and 98 percent of the FTO’s recommendations were implemented by the tax authority.
He also shared that the Tax Ombudsman of Tanzania is scheduled to visit Pakistan in the second week of February to study Pakistan’s grievance redressal framework and exchange best practices.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat praised the role of the Federal Tax Ombudsman in resolving traders’ issues efficiently, calling it a vital institution for accountability and deterrence. Group Leader Sohail Altaf said traders are willing to pay taxes but face difficulties due to procedural complexities and enforcement practices.
He added that the business community acts as withholding agents for FBR without compensation, yet receives no formal recognition, urging that traders be treated as partners in tax collection.
Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former RCCI presidents, FPCCI Vice President Tariq Jadoon, executive committee members, and a large number of chamber members attended the event.
At the conclusion, RCCI leadership thanked the Federal Tax Ombudsman for engaging directly with the business community, expressing hope that the ongoing reforms would strengthen trust in the tax system and support economic growth.
