Pakistan Khappay Report
Islamabad- President Asif Ali Zardari has confirmed a significant order issued by Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Jah. The order directs the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reprimand officers who took coercive measures, such as bank attachments, during the pendency of an appeal before the first appellate forum.
The case originated from a complaint by Gujranwala-based taxpayer Usman Iqbal Aujla, represented by advocate Waheed Shahbaz Butt. Aujla accused FBR functionaries of recovering funds from his bank accounts without following due legal process.
After a thorough investigation and detailed hearings, Adviser Rana Hassan Akhtar issued a landmark order against the FBR officials involved in the illegal tax recovery. Although FBR challenged this order, President Zardari confirmed it, adding that officers should be given a hearing before any action is taken against them.
Advocate Waheed Butt emphasized that the conduct of FBR officers amounted to maladministration and administrative excess. He highlighted that the FTO is the only remedy available to taxpayers facing such issues in Pakistan. Butt stressed that public functionaries, including FBR officers, must act fairly and justly, adhering to constitutional mandates to prevent chaos and ensure justice.
The FTO recommended that FBR direct the concerned CCIR to reprimand the officer who took coercive measures during the appeal process, in violation of FBR’s Circulars.
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