In a significant development for Pakistan's tax administration system, President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of office to Zafar ul Haq Hijazi as the new Federal Tax Ombudsman on Tuesday. The ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, marking a key appointment aimed at strengthening taxpayer grievance mechanisms.
A Veteran Professional Takes the Helm
The newly appointed Ombudsman brings a wealth of expertise to the position. Zafar ul Haq Hijazi is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. His professional portfolio spans over four decades, with extensive experience in critical areas including taxation, corporate and capital market regulation, audit oversight, and financial management.
His prior leadership roles include serving as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and as the Chairman of the Audit and Oversight Board of Pakistan. This background positions him uniquely to understand the complexities of the financial and regulatory landscape, which is crucial for the Ombudsman's role in addressing tax-related complaints.
President's Guidance for the New Role
Following the oath-taking ceremony, Zafar ul Haq Hijazi called on President Asif Ali Zardari for a meeting. During their discussion, the President outlined his expectations and the broader vision for the office.
President Zardari underscored the critical importance of raising public awareness about the role and functions of the Federal Tax Ombudsman. He highlighted that many taxpayers remain unaware of this vital forum for redressal, which can facilitate them in resolving disputes with tax authorities.
Furthermore, the President advised the new Ombudsman to leverage modern technology effectively to streamline operations. The focus is on improving the efficiency and timeliness of complaint disposal, ensuring that citizens receive swift justice and that systemic issues in tax administration are identified and addressed promptly.
Implications for Pakistan's Taxpayers
The appointment of such a seasoned professional signals a commitment to enhancing the fairness and efficiency of Pakistan's tax system. The Federal Tax Ombudsman serves as an independent forum to investigate complaints of maladministration by tax officials, providing relief to aggrieved taxpayers without lengthy court procedures.
With Hijazi's extensive regulatory experience and the President's clear directive to utilize technology and public outreach, taxpayers can anticipate a more accessible and responsive grievance redressal system. This move is expected to bolster confidence in the tax machinery and encourage voluntary compliance by ensuring that taxpayer concerns are heard and resolved justly.
