A delegation from Bangladesh visited the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Secretariat to study Pakistan’s tax ombudsman model and explore possibilities for setting up a similar institution in their country, officials said on Wednesday.
The delegation was received by Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr Asif Mahmood Jah, FTO Registrar Khalid Javed, and Advisor (Legal) and Executive Secretary of the OIC Ombudsman Association, Almas Ali Jovindah. It included Bangladesh’s State Minister for Finance (Special Assistant) Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan.
Dr Asif briefed the delegation on the FTO’s role in ensuring administrative justice, transparency, and taxpayer facilitation. He said the institution has facilitated recoveries exceeding Rs23 billion for taxpayers, with most complaints resolved within 34 days, reflecting efficiency and credibility.
A presentation by Jovindah outlined the evolution and framework of the ombudsman system, tracing its origins from early Islamic governance under Hazrat Umar (RA) to its institutionalization in modern states. He noted that the FTO’s legal foundation, under the Ordinance of 2000, empowers it to act on complaints, references, or on its own motion, with strict limits on sub judice or time-barred cases.
Dr Asif explained that the FTO’s process involves quick complaint registration, mandatory response from the Federal Board of Revenue within 15 days, and resolution within 34 days. He said the Implementation Wing enforces compliance within 45 days, and cases of non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action or imprisonment.
He also highlighted Section 33 of the Ordinance, which allows Informal Dispute Resolution through mediation — a mechanism that reduces litigation costs and ensures quicker settlements. He added that the FTO is unique in being staffed by taxation experts, enabling specialized adjudication and consistent performance that has drawn international attention.
Dr Anisuzzaman praised Pakistan’s ombudsman system as a model of transparency and citizen service, commending Dr Asif’s leadership in developing an efficient and reform-oriented institution. He expressed interest in future collaboration to replicate the model in Bangladesh.
The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a tree-planting ceremony led by Dr Anisuzzaman at the FTO Secretariat, symbolizing friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
