Islamabad, Pakistan: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has taken a significant step towards international cooperation by launching a “Capacity Building Exchange Program.” This initiative aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Ombudsman institutions, particularly within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The program involves a two-way exchange between Pakistan and Bahrain. FTO staff will participate in training programs in Bahrain, while Bahraini officials will visit Pakistan to learn from the FTO’s expertise.
The FTO’s Secretary General, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, and the Executive Secretary of the OICOA, Almas Ali Jovindah, have been instrumental in launching this initiative. The program has received strong support from Ghada Hameed Habib, the Ombudswoman and Chairperson of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC) in Bahrain.
By collaborating with other Ombudsman institutions, the FTO seeks to improve its effectiveness in addressing taxpayer grievances, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in the tax administration system.
The recently launched “Capacity Building Exchange Programme” by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) is expected to have a positive tax impact by improving the effectiveness of tax grievance redressal mechanisms and fostering greater international cooperation. This initiative strengthens the institutional framework within Ombudsman offices, directly benefiting taxpayers and tax authorities alike.
Key Tax Effects:
- Enhanced Taxpayer Confidence:
By adopting best practices from international Ombudsman institutions, such as Bahrain, the FTO aims to make its tax-related grievance resolution mechanisms more efficient. This will build taxpayer trust in the system, encouraging voluntary compliance and potentially expanding the tax base. - Improved Administrative Efficiency:
Knowledge sharing through this exchange program equips FTO staff with advanced skills and strategies, reducing delays and inefficiencies in tax grievance handling. This streamlined process is likely to improve the resolution of tax disputes, minimizing revenue loss due to prolonged disputes. - Strengthened Tax Governance:
Collaborative training sessions and exposure to global practices ensure the adoption of transparent and accountable procedures in tax administration. This, in turn, enhances the credibility and effectiveness of the tax system, which could lead to better revenue collection outcomes. - Support for OIC Member States:
The FTO’s leadership in fostering cooperation within the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA) will set a precedent for other member countries to adopt robust tax systems, indirectly benefiting global trade and tax harmonization efforts. - Economic and Cultural Exchange:
The program not only fosters better tax practices but also encourages economic and cultural collaboration. These partnerships can lead to agreements that improve cross-border tax enforcement and prevent tax evasion, further stabilizing national revenue streams.
This program reflects the FTO’s commitment to global cooperation, innovation, and institutional growth, ultimately contributing to a fairer, more efficient tax system that aligns with international standards.
