H.E Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), President FPO and Secretary General OICOA paid an official visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and addressed members of the business community, assuring them of full protection of taxpayers’ rights and relief-oriented measures. This marked Mr. Hijazi’s maiden visit to any chamber of commerce after assuming charge as Federal Tax Ombudsman.
Addressing a seminar at the Chamber, the FTO stated that the business community remains his foremost priority. He emphasized that the core objective of the institution is to restore taxpayers’ confidence particularly that of businessmen by ensuring timely, transparent, and effective relief. He noted that past delays caused by prolonged circulation of complaint files among offices have been addressed through a newly introduced mechanism, under which complaints are directly assigned to the concerned Advisor and resolved within the shortest possible timeframe.
Mr. Hijazi further assured participants that all possible measures would be taken to safeguard taxpayers’ rights and that upcoming budget proposals would focus on eliminating harassment of tax filers. He informed the audience that the time for registration of complaints against the Federal Board of Revenue and the fixing of appeals has now been reduced to a single day, underscoring his commitment to providing maximum relief to the business community.
Congratulating Mr. Hijazi on his appointment, the President and Group Leader of RCCI expressed confidence that his extensive and diversified experience would lead the Federal Tax Ombudsman institution towards enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. At the conclusion of the event, the President of RCCI appreciated the FTO’s engagement with the business community and stated that the reforms and relief initiatives would strengthen trust in the tax system and contribute positively to economic growth.
While briefing the participants, Almas Ali Jovindah, Advisor (Legal) to the Federal Tax Ombudsman and Executive Secretary FPO and OICOA, highlighted that the institution has earned significant credibility at the international level. In this context, he informed that 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 taxpayer grievance redressal.
Providing performance statistics, Mr. Jovindah stated that the FTO received more than 38,000 complaints against the Federal Board of Revenue during 2025, with 98 percent of the Ombudsman’s recommendations implemented by the FBR.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat emphasized the importance of the Federal Tax Ombudsman as a key institution for deterrence and timely resolution of traders’ complaints, appreciating its proactive role in addressing business concerns. Group Leader Sohail Altaf noted a marked increase in the business community’s confidence in the FTO, clarifying that traders do not object to paying taxes but have concerns regarding FBR procedures. He further highlighted that while businessmen act as withholding agents without compensation, they are not accorded due recognition, and called for treating the business community as partners 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 at the event.
