President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed the need for creating a friendly, service-oriented, and objective tax system so that all taxpayers voluntarily fulfill their tax duties without worrying about exploitation, harassment or intimidation. He has asked all government officials to apply tax laws in accordance with their real spirit and meaning, with a user-friendly interface, while upholding the fundamental goals of assisting taxpayers in fulfilling their tax duties and resolving the challenges they are now facing.

The president was addressing an awareness seminar titled "Roles, Functions, and Performance of Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO)." At the event, the annual report for the FTO's fiscal year 2021 was also released. According to President Arif Alvi, one of the tax ombudsperson's primary responsibilities is to ensure that justice is served to mistreated citizens in a friendly environment by treating the complainant with dignity and respect, upholding his rights, and resolving his problems. The true spirit and intent of the law without distorting its language should also be kept in mind, which can sometimes cause delays in the justice-dispensing process.

He stated that ombudsman secretariats are significant governmental institutions that may significantly resolve public concerns by correctly interpreting relevant laws and offering compensation to the wronged individuals. The ombudsmen, whether federal, tax, or insurance ombudsmen, President Alvi said, are not in competition with government departments and organisations; rather, they serve to assist the public and guarantee that they have access to the appropriate forums for the settlement of their complaints.

He emphasised the necessity of raising public awareness of the ombudspersons' services. He stated that while widespread education was a crucial component, a well-considered strategy was a more effective method of promotion because it increased public confidence and encouraged more people to file complaints with the institution.

The president said that sometimes the written language of the law cannot handle all circumstances and the delivery of services to the general population is sometimes slowed down by this. In order to provide rapid, hassle-free services to the targeted public, it continually demands changes and the proper interpretation reflecting the actual spirit and meaning of the legislation, he added.

According to him, tax avoidance and corruption are widespread issues worldwide, and laws and regulations have flaws that allow the general public or authorities to abuse them. He noted that while corruption was a threat that could not be totally eradicated from society, it was regretful that it was more prevalent in Pakistani society than in other countries.

The president lamented the fact that false information now thrives on the words said rather than the true meaning and aim of the speech. He urged the media to pay more attention to the real intent and objectives of the statement rather than focusing on the wording while covering important national concerns. President Arif Alvi also presented tax cheques to those who had reserved automobiles at higher rates but afterwards saw the rate cut by the government.

 Speaking at the event, Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr Asif Mahmood Jah said that the FTO is a dynamic and vibrant organisation aiming to provide taxpayers with a respectable standing so they do not have complications with the payment of taxes and the settlement of disputes. According to him, the FTO has evolved into a public relief organisation whose decisions have an impact on millions of people as a result of resolving the individual and collective problems of a sizable number of individuals.

Dr Asif continued by saying that in a recent case involving a reduction in the tax rate on domestically produced vehicles, the FTO's decision helped over 9,500 taxpayers, and that similar assistance will be forthcoming in a case involving the tax on tractors. He stated that the FTO has made suggestions about the problem of imported soybean containers becoming blocked at the port. The FTO will contribute to finding a solution and that the poultry business will also benefit, he added.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk