New policy for FBR: Small refunds to be paid in 8-10 days: FTO

RAWALPINDI: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Zafar Hijazi announced that small-amount tax refunds will be processed and paid to complainants within 8 to 10 days under the new policy to be enforced by the FTO at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi paid an official visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and addressed the business community, assuring them of full protection of taxpayers’ rights and relief-oriented measures. This was Mr. Hijazi’s maiden visit to any chamber after assuming charge as Federal Tax Ombudsman.

The FTO stated that the business community is his foremost priority, emphasizing that the primary objective of the institution is to restore the confidence of taxpayers, particularly the business community, and to ensure timely and effective relief.

Addressing a seminar at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCC&I), the President and Group Leader of RCC&I congratulated Hijazi on his appointment as the Federal Tax Ombudsman and expressed confidence that his vast and diversified experience would lead the institution towards greater efficiency and success.

The Federal Tax Ombudsman highlighted that in the past, complaint files used to circulate for weeks among different offices. However, a new and effective mechanism has now been introduced whereby complaints will be directly marked to the concerned Advisor and resolved within the shortest possible time.

Speaking on the occasion, Hijazi said that every possible step would be taken to safeguard the rights of taxpayers. He emphasized that upcoming budget proposals would ensure an end to harassment of tax filers.

He informed the participants that the time for registering complaints against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and filing appeals has been reduced to just one day. “Now complaints will be reviewed and appeals will be fixed within a single day,” he stated, adding that his priority is to provide maximum relief to businessmen.

While briefing the participants, the Advisor (Legal) to the Federal Tax Ombudsman stated that the institution has earned significant confidence at the international level.

As a result, the Tax Ombudsman of Tanzania is scheduled to visit Pakistan in the second week of February to study the working, mechanisms, and best practices of the Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan, and to exchange experiences in the field of taxpayer grievance redressal.

At the conclusion of the event, the President of RCC&I expressed sincere appreciation to the Federal Tax Ombudsman for his engagement with the business community and stated that the reforms and relief initiatives undertaken by the FTO would strengthen trust in the tax system and positively contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Almas Ali Jovindah Advisor (Legal) FTO informed that FTO has received more than 38,000 complaints against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) during 2025 and 98 percent of the FTO’s recommendations were implementation by the FBR.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat, in his address, highlighted the importance of the Federal Tax Ombudsman as a key institution, deterrence and appreciated its role in timely resolution of traders’ complaints. He said that the FTO has played an effective role in addressing issues faced by the business community.

Group Leader RCCI Sohail Altaf said that the confidence of the business community in the FTO office has significantly increased. He clarified that traders have no objection to paying taxes; rather, their concerns relate to the procedures adopted by FBR.

He pointed out that as withholding agents, the business community collects and deposits taxes for FBR free of cost, yet no credit or recognition is given.

He demanded that businessmen should be given the status of partners of FBR in tax collection.

Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents of RCCI, Vice President FPCCI Tariq Jadoon, Executive Committee members, and a large number of chamber members were also present on the occasion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026