FAISALABAD, Feb 12 (APP):Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Mushtaq
Ahmad Sukhera has said that FTO is taking steps to redress the
grievances of taxpayers and address the complaints by carrying
out independent investigations about tax maladministration.
Addressing the members of Pakistan Textile Exporters Association
(PTEA) here on Monday, he said that textile industry holds foremost importance
in the economy with its 57% share in country’s exports
and 8.5% in GDP. Textile exporters are major contributors to the
economy and his office will leave no stone unturned to address
the issues of exporters and industrialists, he said.
He expressed disappointment over widening of trade deficit and
heavy reliance upon foreign borrowings, adding the country’s exports
have been declined from 25 billion dollars to 21 billion; whereas
export growth of other countries in the region has increased
manifolds.
Concerning of lowest tax to GDP ratio, he said that FBR had
been asked to revise the criteria of tax collection system and
evolve easy and simple mechanism so that people would come into
tax net voluntarily instead of avoiding it.
On the issue of huge pendency in refund regime, he assured
his full support for expeditious processing and payment of all
outstanding refunds.
Responding to a suggestion of appointment of Grievance Commissioners
at RTO levels, with powers to monitor progress of the complaints on
daily basis and issue appropriate orders for smooth implementation
to redress the grievances, he assured to work out on the proposal.
Earlier, Chairman PTEA, in his welcome address, appreciated the
role of Federal Tax Ombudsman for accountability of maladministration
on part of the tax authorities.
Seeking FTO’s support, he said that huge pendency in refund regime
has slowed down the growth pace and if that amounts are released,
exporters can deploy the capital towards expanding businesses, which
in turn will help Pakistan’s export earnings grow.
Later, PTEA insignia was presented to Federal Tax Ombudsman.
A large number of textile exporters were present in the meeting.
