Chinese company: FTO asks FBR to recover multi-million unchallenged tax demand

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has recommended the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to recover multi-million unchallenged tax demand from a Chinese company through Embassy of China and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan.

It is reliably learnt that landmark order has been issued by FTO Dr Asif Jah in a public interest complaint moved by a tax lawyer Waheed Shahbaz Butt, against the FBR officers for their delay in recovery of unchallenged tax demand runs into Rs632 million against a Chinese company.

FTO order stated, “Complaint was filed against alleged non-recovery of undisputed tax demand created in the case of a Chinese company.

The complainant has highlighted the non-recovery of unchallenged tax demands from Respondents, which allegedly appears to be intentionally ignored by the FBR/CTO/RTO. Inaction is solely aimed at providing unholy benefits to some senior officers within the organization/FBR. The Complainant has emphasised the gravity of the situation and the implications it has for the integrity and credibility of the FBR. The Complainant further states that the deliberate negligence in recovering unchallenged tax demand not only undermines the principles of fairness and justice but also raises questions about the ethical conduct of certain senior officers entrusted with crucial responsibilities within the FBR. Furthermore, it has been observed that the FBR has failed to initiate any action or take measures to recover unchallenged tax demand on the basis of orders passed u/s 122(5A) read with (2022 PTD 1839) for the Tax Years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024