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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FTO orders Customs to return gold held Illegally for 27 years
ISLAMABAD: May 5, 2025 — In a landmark decision, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed Pakistan Customs to return 170 tolas of gold unlawfully held for over 27 years, following a protracted legal battle that saw judgments in favor of the complainant from all tiers of Pakistan’s judicial system, including the Supreme Court.
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Tax Daily Wages Employees Under Section 149: FTO
Karachi, April 20, 2025 – A new report from the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has highlighted that employees working on a daily wages basis are subject to income tax deductions under Section 149 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
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FTO Launches Manual to Empower Taxpayers with Their Rights
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.
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Unlock Your Baggage Rights When Entering Pakistan
Karachi, April 19, 2025 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has issued a detailed information regarding the rights of passengers traveling to and from Pakistan, particularly concerning duty-free allowances available under the Baggage Rules, 2006.
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FTO Bars FBR from Penalizing Taxpayers for ST Return Delays
ISLAMABAD – April 16, 2025: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has formally restrained the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from imposing penalties on sales tax registered persons in cases where delays in return filing were caused by the tax department itself.
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FTO Directs FBR to Utilize IP Tracking in Tax Fraud Probes
Karachi, March 7, 2025 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to seek access to internet protocol (IP) data older than one year, similar to the access granted to other agencies under the Investigation for Fair Trial Act, 2013 (IFTA).
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FTO Uncovers Rs 9.38 Billion Annual Electricity Tax Loss
Karachi, February 25, 2025 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has identified a staggering annual revenue loss of Rs 9.38 billion to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) due to discrepancies in the collection of electricity tax across the country.
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