Islamabad, December 3, 2025 – President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed Zafarul Haq Hijazi as the new Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) for a four-year term, bringing an experienced financial regulator back into a key national oversight role.
Hijazi, a former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), replaces Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, who is widely credited for his energetic and service-oriented leadership during his tenure.
The Ministry of Law and Justice formally issued the notification of Hijazi’s appointment, marking his return to public service. With decades of experience in regulatory and administrative roles, his selection is being viewed as an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s taxpayer grievance redressal system.
Established in 2000, the Federal Tax Ombudsman’s office provides taxpayers with a swift, fair, and independent platform to address grievances related to tax administration. The institution plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability within tax-collecting bodies.
Through its mandate, the FTO addresses complaints filed by individuals and businesses who believe they have faced maladministration or unjust treatment at the hands of tax authorities, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The Ombudsman is empowered to investigate complaints, halt the implementation of disputed orders, and recommend corrective measures or relief wherever necessary.
Hijazi’s appointment is expected to reinforce the FTO’s mission of safeguarding taxpayer rights and improving the efficiency of Pakistan’s tax governance framework.