Taxpayer’s long-pending grievance: FTO lauds FBR official’s support

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has appreciated the prompt and responsible conduct of the Chief Sales Tax, FBR, whose personal intervention led to the immediate resolution of a taxpayer’s long-pending grievance, resulting in withdrawal of the proposed recommendation for seeking his explanation. The appreciation has been recorded in an order passed by the FTO while disposing of a Review Petition.

The order notes that although the taxpayer’s grievance had remained unresolved for more than two months after the FTO’s earlier findings, the Chief Sales Tax informed the Forum during the hearing that he would personally examine the matter and sought a one-day adjournment to ensure complete relief. While granting the request, the FTO observed that continued non-implementation of its recommendations, despite approval at the level of the Chief Sales Tax, could warrant a recommendation to the Federal Board of Revenue to call for explanations from all officers in the chain responsible for the delay.

When the matter was taken up on the following day, the Chief Sales Tax informed the Forum that, pursuant to his personal intervention, the taxpayer’s Sales Tax profile had been unblocked. The complainant also confirmed in writing that his grievance had been fully redressed and that he no longer wished to pursue the matter.

In view of these developments, the FTO withdrew only the proposed recommendation relating to seeking an explanation from the Chief Sales Tax, while reaffirming all other findings and recommendations recorded in the earlier order. The order makes it clear that this modification was made solely in recognition of the prompt corrective action taken by the Chief Sales Tax and does not dilute the original findings regarding maladministration.

The order further reiterates that taxpayers should not be compelled to invoke repeated proceedings for obtaining lawful relief and that delays in implementing FTO recommendations undermine public confidence in tax administration. At the same time, it emphasizes that while maladministration will continue to be dealt with firmly, officers who accept responsibility and take effective corrective action deserve due recognition. As observed in the order, this balanced approach strengthens accountability while promoting a culture of responsive public administration.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026