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.
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FTO orders FBR to suspend Gerry’s Dnata license over mega fraud
Islamabad, November 30, 2025 – In a major development, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to initiate the process for suspending the license of M/s Gerry’s Dnata for its Karachi airport cargo shed, following revelations of a massive customs fraud involving illegal clearance of high-value imported goods.
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FBR negligence over 2025 manual return form exposed
Islamabad, October 16, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has come under sharp criticism for its failure to issue the manual income tax return form for the Tax Year 2025, exposing what many describe as a new “hallmark of negligence” within the tax authority.
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FTO probes controversial changes to wealth statement
Islamabad, September 26, 2025 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has initiated an investigation into recent changes made to the wealth statement, a crucial component of the annual income tax return.
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FTO slams illegal tax assessment by Karachi FBR officials
Islamabad, September 2025 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has issued strong remarks against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials in Karachi for passing what it termed “patently illegal” and ex parte tax assessment orders against an old-age citizen.
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Asif Jah unveils Mohtasib Ki Diary at MCCI
Multan, August 31, 2025 – Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah underscored that “tax is the backbone of the economy” during the launch of his latest book, Mohtasib Ki Diary, at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).
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FTO orders IP address probe in major sales tax fraud case
Islamabad, August 9, 2025 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to investigate IP addresses linked to a high-profile sales tax fraud case involving fake invoices worth millions.
According to the complaint, a 68-year-old commercial importer, registered for sales tax since August 2008, discovered the fraud while attempting to file his April 2025 return. Cybercriminals allegedly hacked his credentials, altered official records, and filed a falsified sales tax return showing fake supplies of Rs. 133.125 million, leading to a GST impact of Rs. 23.962 million. The transactions were traced to Rafi Enterprises, a taxpayer in RTO Quetta.
Investigators found that multiple IP addresses—originating from Battagram, Islamabad, and Frankfurt—were used to execute the fraud, likely via VPN services to mask identities. Despite repeated notices, internet providers have not disclosed subscriber details. The FTO emphasized that tracking such sophisticated cybercrime requires advanced technical capabilities currently lacking in FBR and PRAL.
The inquiry concluded that the beneficiary knowingly purchased fake invoices to evade sales tax, violating Section 73 of the Sales Tax Act. The FTO urged FBR to initiate FIRs and prosecute all parties involved in the fraud under relevant laws, as well as to strengthen monitoring systems to prevent future misuse of taxpayer credentials.
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FBR harassing exporters on tax fraud allegations: FTO
Karachi, July 12, 2025 — The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has strongly criticized the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for harassing exporters by arbitrarily blocking or suspending their Sales Tax Registration Numbers (STRNs) on unproven allegations of tax fraud — in direct violation of superior court rulings.
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FTO directs FBR to cease sealing of Tier-1 retail outlets
Islamabad, June 21, 2025 – In a significant decision for Pakistan’s formal retail sector, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately halt the sealing of Tier-1 retail outlets.
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FTO directs FBR to resolve long-standing electricity duty issue
Islamabad, May 12, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at safeguarding consumers from excessive taxation, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to constitute a joint committee to re-evaluate the entire regime of electricity duty and taxes calculated thereon.
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