The tax bars in Pakistan have voiced their concerns regarding short-term stay orders issued by the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR).
Tax practitioners raised this critical issue during a recent visit by Shahid Masood Manzar, the Chairman of ATIR, to the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA).
Accompanied by Syed Ayaz Mahmood, Member (Accounting), Shahid Masood Manzar engaged in a dialogue with tax consultants, aiming to understand the challenges they face when dealing with ATIR in Karachi. Abdul Qadir Memon, President of the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA), and Khalid Mahmood, President of KTBA, took the opportunity to express their concerns and apprise the chairman about the issues that have been affecting their practice and clients.
One of the primary concerns raised during the meeting was the issuance of short-term stay orders by the ATIR. Tax practitioners emphasized the need for clear and consistent procedures, especially when it comes to handling urgent or out-of-turn applications. Delays in resolving these cases have been a source of frustration for both tax consultants and their clients. Furthermore, frequent non-availability of bench members has also been a hindrance to the efficient operation of the tribunal.
The Chairman, Shahid Masood Manzar, acknowledged the concerns raised by tax practitioners and stressed the importance of fostering a harmonious working relationship between the bench and the bar. He recognized that efficient collaboration is pivotal in resolving issues effectively and ensuring that the tax system functions smoothly.
In response to the concerns voiced by the tax bars, Chairman Manzar assured the tax consultants that the ATIR is committed to addressing these challenges promptly. He expressed his dedication to resolving the issues faced by the tax community and improving the overall experience for tax practitioners and their clients.
Chairman Manzar also emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation and support from members of the tax bar. Recognizing that tax consultants play a vital role in ensuring that the tax system operates efficiently and fairly, he stressed that their feedback and engagement are essential for the continued improvement of the ATIR’s services.
This meeting between ATIR and the tax bars highlights the ongoing efforts to streamline the tax dispute resolution process in Pakistan. The ATIR is a crucial institution responsible for adjudicating tax matters, and its operations impact businesses and individuals across the country. By addressing concerns related to short-term stay orders, delays, and the availability of bench members, the ATIR aims to create a more transparent and responsive system that benefits all stakeholders.
The concerns raised by Pakistan’s tax bars regarding short-term stay orders and related issues have not gone unnoticed. The Chairman of the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue has engaged in a constructive dialogue with tax practitioners to understand their challenges and work toward resolving these issues. The commitment to efficient cooperation between the bench and the bar is seen as a positive step toward improving the overall tax dispute resolution process. The continued collaboration between these stakeholders is expected to lead to a more transparent and effective system for handling tax matters in Pakistan, benefiting taxpayers and the broader economy.
