FTO advisor vows swift relief for traders at Sargodha chamber session

SARGODHA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Apr, 2026) Advisor to the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Shaukat Mahmood on Monday said the institution was committed to providing free and swift relief to traders against maladministration and excesses by tax authorities.

He was speaking at an awareness session on the role and services of the Federal Tax Ombudsman held at the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sargodha.

The session was chaired by Chamber President,Khawaja Yasir Qayyum and attended by Executive Committee members, standing committee chairmen and a large number of representatives from the Kinnow Association.

Shaukat Mahmood briefed participants on the jurisdiction of the FTO and the legal remedies available to taxpayers,saying the institution ensures timely redressal of grievances related to tax matters.

In his welcome address,Khawaja Yasir Qayyum stressed the importance of the FTO in ensuring transparency in the taxation system and timely resolution of traders’ complaints.

He said the business community forms the backbone of the economy and called for swift resolution of issues related to income tax,sales tax and customs.

Former SCCI,President Chaudhry Shoaib Ahmed Basra highlighted challenges faced by stakeholders,particularly delays in tax refunds and urged authorities to simplify the refund process to improve liquidity for businesses.

A question-and-answer session was also held,where participants shared proposals to improve the business environment and streamline taxation procedures.

In his concluding remarks,Shaukat Mahmood assured the participants that their concerns would be conveyed to the relevant authorities,reiterating that the rights of taxpayers would be safeguarded at all levels.