Islamabad, April 19, 2025 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has taken a significant step toward ensuring transparency and fairness in Pakistan’s taxation system by releasing the first-ever Manual of Taxpayers Rights.
This comprehensive document aims to help taxpayers better understand their legal rights under the Constitution and the Federal Tax Laws of Pakistan.
The manual has been meticulously prepared by senior advisors including Muhammad Tanvir Akhtar (Advisor Income Tax), Dr. Arsalan Subuctageen (Advisor Customs), Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah (Advisor Legal), Muhammad Nazim Saleem (Advisor Sales Tax), and Dr. Usman Shaukat Khan (AD-Research). Their collective effort, under the leadership of FTO Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, has resulted in a user-friendly guide for taxpayers across the country.
Dr. Jah emphasized that the FTO is committed to addressing cases of maladministration by tax authorities that result in injustice to any individual. The release of this manual reinforces the FTO’s mission of protecting taxpayers’ rights and promoting accountability in tax administration.
“Taxpayers are the backbone of our economy. Yet, the complexity of tax laws often makes it difficult for them to fully understand their rights,” said Dr. Jah. “Our office receives numerous complaints from taxpayers, many of which arise from a lack of awareness. This manual is a vital tool to bridge that gap.”
The manual explains, in simple language, the various rights that taxpayers possess under the law, ensuring they are not exploited or misled by tax authorities due to ignorance. It provides clarity on important legal provisions, guidelines, and international best practices that protect the interests of taxpayers.
The document also underscores that a just and transparent tax system cannot thrive without the full protection of taxpayers’ rights. A system that ignores these rights not only erodes public trust but also hampers long-term sustainability of tax collection and governance. The FTO reiterated that upholding taxpayers’ rights is essential for national economic growth and the legitimacy of state institutions.
Available online via the official website of the FTO Secretariat in Islamabad, the manual features an in-built mechanism for regular updates. It is expected to be a valuable resource for the taxpayers’ community, legal experts, tax professionals, and FBR officials alike.
By strengthening awareness and understanding of taxpayers’ rights, the FTO aims to foster a more transparent, equitable, and efficient tax ecosystem in Pakistan.