on 25th June 2011

Seminar on “Federal Tax Ombudsman Citizen Report Card Study” on 25th June, 2011

A seminar was organized by Transparency International-Pakistan on 25th June, 2011 at Hotel Marriott, Karachi on the occasion of the launch of the ‘Citizen Report Card Study on FTO Office’. The study was conducted by Islamic Countries Society of Statistical Sciences (ISOSS) under an agreement with TI-P. Representatives from the public and private sector, consulates, media and general public were present. A total of 250 people attended the program.


The seminar started with the recitation from the Holy Quran. Chairman Transparency International-Pakistan, Syed Adil Gilani in his speech, said that this study has been done to make the Pakistani people aware that there are government offices which are moving in the right direction. He said that FBR also needs to reform the mechanism in order to bring further improvement.


Next speaker Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon, Former President, Income Tax Bar Association said that dispensation of justice and uprooting of corruption has always been an issue to be addressed by the governments. He was of the opinion that social justice is difficult to be brought in unless tax net is broadened.


The third speaker of the session, Chief Justice (R) Haziqul Khairi said that this study is going to improve people’s perception about government offices and will definitely help in building up the trust that has been lost due to a number of events. He thanked TI-P for standing against all odds for the good of the country.


Justice Aslam Jaffri, former Insurance Ombudsman of Pakistan appreciated the FTO office for their work in the past two years. He was of the opinion that absolute power corrupts absolutely, therefore it is necessary to have a check and balance to keep the work going on with full efficiency.


Next speaker was The Federal Tax Ombudsman, Dr. M. Shoaib Suddle. He stated that the Citizen Report Card Study is a third party effort which is laudable. He was of the opinion that a fair and just system cannot be achieved unless income is taxed irrespective of its source and unless there is enough deterrence for tax evaders. Dr. Suddle added that no government can sustain herself without an effective, well managed, responsive, fair and accountable tax administration.


Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, President, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in his speech said that FPCCI has helped the FTO Office in every possible way in addressing the taxpayers’ grievances.


Chief Guest for the evening Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Ex Finance Minister to the Government of Pakistan and Advisor to the Chairman, Silk Bank was the next speaker. He said that the fundamental issue arresting the progress of the developing economies is corruption. He was of the opinion that this process leads to general degradation and brings destruction to the country. He said that TI-P’s reports are like wakeup calls to the society and they should be appreciated for their efforts.


Chair of the Seminar, Minister of finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics, Planning and Development Mr. Abdul Hafiz Sheikh said that through this study, TI-P has displayed a certain degree of attitude towards the reform.  He said that he is also accountable for whatever he does as he gets paid from the money of the people. He praised TI-P and the FTO office for their commendable work which will help in building a better future for generations to come. He said that this is the boost for the citizens of Pakistan who have no platform to channel their voice. This survey is the way to the future and is unstoppable. He said that fraud detection should be also a part of every government office to make it work transparently.


A question and answer session followed the speeches.


Mr. Illahi Bakshsh Soomro, Chairman-Elect, TI-P gave the vote of thanks.