FTO Appoints New Overseas Advisers for Enhanced Foreign Engagement
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) will appoint new honorary FTO Overseas Advisers in various countries. These renowned individuals will collaborate closely with the Foreign Office. Ultimately, this strategic move aims to enhance support for Pakistanis living abroad, ensuring their concerns are addressed promptly.
Initially, the FTO removed all existing overseas advisers across foreign tax jurisdictions. This action, completed during an initial phase, cleared the slate for a fresh approach. Subsequently, the FTO office has formally requested the Foreign Office to facilitate the appointment of these new honorary advisers, marking the commencement of the second phase.
Addressing Past Criticisms: A New Era for FTO Overseas Advisers
However, past appointments faced significant scrutiny. Muhammad Azhar Siddique, Chairman of the Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) and an International Constitutional Lawyer, sharply criticized previous foreign appointments. He alleged that the FTO operated an opaque system, appointing advisers in numerous countries without transparent advertisement, merit-based selection, or proper legal authority. These countries included Canada, USA, UK, Sweden, Hong Kong, Finland, and Spain. Furthermore, such practices eroded public trust in the system.
Moving forward, the FTO has issued clear instructions to its Secretariat. The priority is now to address complaints from overseas Pakistanis regarding the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with utmost urgency. This proactive measure ensures that they avoid unnecessary difficulties and delays, thereby streamlining their interactions with tax authorities. Consequently, the new focus is firmly on transparency and efficiency.
FTO Recognizes Overseas Pakistanis as Vital National Capital
The FTO strongly emphasizes the vital role of overseas Pakistanis, considering them integral to the nation’s capital. He asserts that their consistent contribution acts as the economy’s backbone. These individuals not only stabilize the national economy through valuable foreign exchange but also project a positive image of Pakistan globally. Indeed, their sacrifices significantly contribute to national development.
Therefore, in recognition of their immense services and sacrifices, the FTO is taking concrete steps for immediate and effective problem resolution. The Secretariat has received clear directives to address all complaints from overseas Pakistanis promptly, transparently, and efficiently. Consequently, this initiative aims to bolster their confidence in the government’s unwavering commitment.
Accessible Complaint Registration for Overseas Pakistanis
To facilitate this crucial process, overseas Pakistanis can register complaints via multiple accessible channels. Options include the nominated advisor or a dedicated helpline (051-9212437/042-99204140). Additionally, they can use WhatsApp (0334-0544460), the FTO App, email (media@fto.gov.pk), or visit the FTO website (www.fto.gov.pk). This comprehensive approach ensures broad accessibility, significantly simplifying the complaint resolution mechanism for everyone.
