8
Quarterly Newsletter Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Secretariat 5-A, EDB Building, Constuon Avenue, Islamabad Tele: 051-9222534 Fax: 051-9205553 Web: www.fpo.org.pk E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] 12th Issue (April - June, 2016) Chief Editor: Mr. Abdul Khaliq Chief Coordinator, FTO Secretariat Secretary, Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO) Editor: Mr. Abdur Rauf Khan, Assistant Advisor (NICAP) Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) presented Annual Report 2015 on performance of his office to the Hon'ble th President of Pakistan at the President House on 11 April, 2016. The Federal Tax Ombudsman briefed him on the working of the FTO Secretariat and apprised the President that his office generally receives and dispose of 1500 to 2000 taxpayers' complaints per year; accordingly in 2015, number of complaints decided reached 1610. Of these, 70% (1127) complaints were decided in favour of taxpayers. This year, 85% (1375) of our decisions were accepted by the complainants and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) straight way. However, taking account of Representaons, under Secon 32 of the FTO Ordinance, where our decisions were up held, this acceptance level exceeds 90%. Historically, the obligatory limit of 60 days for disposing of a complaint has been pursued, but to further ensure expedious and inexpensive jusce to the aggrieved taxpayers, as necessitated in Arcle 37 of the Constuon, recently some measures have been taken to reduce this me limit to 50 days. In order to improve service delivery to taxpayers, this year the FTO Secretariat implemented three important projects. The major objecves of these Projects were to enhance accountability and transparency of tax administraon, promote synergy between FTO and FBR pracces, build instuonal capacity and enhance Countrywide Outreach. These iniaves helped FTO in redressing the public grievances more effecvely and suggesng FBR some important systemic changes aimed at larger tax revenues and improved Taxpayers' confidence. Federal Tax Ombudsman presented Annual Report 2015 to the Hon'ble President of Pakistan Inside Editorial Board l Federal Tax Ombudsman presented Annual Report 2015 to the Hon'ble President of Pakistan. 1 l Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib) presented Annual Report 2015 to the Hon'ble President of Pakistan. 2 l Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib) presented commiees’ Reports on Systemic to the Hon'ble Chief Jusce of Pakistan. 3 th l 15 Meeng of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsmen held in th Karachi on 20 April, 2016 4 l Provincial Mohtasib Baluchistan Organized a Seminar on Role of Ombudsman in Safeguarding Public Rights 4 l Country Director ILO Pakistan, visited Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protecon against Harassment of Women at Workplace 5 l Tele Voice commercials for Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protecon against Harassment of Women at workplace 5 l Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat sent Budget Proposals to the Minister for Finance 6 l Hon'ble Federal Tax Ombudsman visited Custom House Karachi 6 l Federal Iinsurance Ombudsman chaired a Seminar held at Princeton Instute of Informaon and Technology 7 l Mr. Asad Ashrraf Malik Reappointed as Provincial Ombudsman Sindh for a Term of Four Years 7 l Provincial Ombudsman Punjab Resigned from his Office 7 l First Complaint Center at Taluka Level established by Provincial Ombudsman Sindh for Protecon against Harassment of Women at Workplace 8 th l AOA Board of Directors 19 Meeng is Scheduled on 10-11 August 2016 at Kazan- Tatarastan 8 th l 11 Internaonal Ombudsman Instute World Conference is scheduled from 14-19 November, 2016 8

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Page 1: Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Quarterly Newsletter

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Secretariat5-A, EDB Building, Cons�tu�on Avenue, Islamabad

Tele: 051-9222534 Fax: 051-9205553 Web: www.fpo.org.pk E-mail: fpo@�o.gov.pk; [email protected]

12th Issue (April - June, 2016)

Chief Editor: Mr. Abdul Khaliq Chief Coordinator, FTO Secretariat

Secretary, Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO)

Editor: Mr. Abdur Rauf Khan,

Assistant Advisor (NICAP)

Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) presented

Annual Report 2015 on performance of his office to the Hon'ble thPresident of Pakistan at the President House on 11 April, 2016. The

Federal Tax Ombudsman briefed him on the working of the FTO

Secretariat and apprised the President that his office generally

receives and dispose of 1500 to 2000 taxpayers' complaints per year;

accordingly in 2015, number of complaints decided reached 1610.

Of these, 70% (1127) complaints were decided in favour of

taxpayers. This year, 85% (1375) of our decisions were accepted by

the complainants and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) straight way.

However, taking account of Representa�ons, under Sec�on 32 of the

FTO Ordinance, where our decisions were up held, this acceptance

level exceeds 90%. Historically, the obligatory limit of 60 days for

disposing of a complaint has been pursued, but to further ensure

expedi�ous and inexpensive jus�ce to the aggrieved taxpayers, as

necessitated in Ar�cle 37 of the Cons�tu�on, recently some

measures have been taken to reduce this �me limit to 50 days. In

order to improve service delivery to taxpayers, this year the FTO

Secretariat implemented three important projects. The major

objec�ves of these Projects were to enhance accountability and

transparency of tax administra�on, promote synergy between FTO

and FBR prac�ces, build ins�tu�onal capacity and enhance

Countrywide Outreach. These ini�a�ves helped FTO in redressing

the public grievances more effec�vely and sugges�ng FBR some

important systemic changes aimed at larger tax revenues and

improved Taxpayers' confidence.

Federal Tax Ombudsman presented Annual Report 2015 to the

Hon'ble President of PakistanInside

Editorial Board

l Federal Tax Ombudsman presented Annual Report 2015 to the Hon'ble President of Pakistan. 1

l Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib) presented Annual Report 2015 to the Hon'ble President of Pakistan. 2

l Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib) presented commi�ees’ Reports on Systemic to the Hon'ble Chief Jus�ce of Pakistan. 3

thl 15 Mee�ng of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsmen held in

thKarachi on 20 April, 2016 4l Provincial Mohtasib Baluchistan Organized a Seminar on Role of

Ombudsman in Safeguarding Public Rights 4l Country Director ILO Pakistan, visited Federal Ombudsman

Secretariat for Protec�on against Harassment of Women at Workplace 5

l Tele Voice commercials for Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protec�on against Harassment of Women at workplace 5

l Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat sent Budget Proposals to the Minister for Finance 6

l Hon'ble Federal Tax Ombudsman visited Custom House Karachi 6

l Federal Iinsurance Ombudsman chaired a Seminar held at Princeton Ins�tute of Informa�on and Technology 7

l Mr. Asad Ashrraf Malik Reappointed as Provincial Ombudsman Sindh for a Term of Four Years 7

l Provincial Ombudsman Punjab Resigned from his Office 7l First Complaint Center at Taluka Level established by Provincial

Ombudsman Sindh for Protec�on against Harassment of Women at Workplace 8

thl AOA Board of Directors 19 Mee�ng is Scheduled on 10-11

August 2016 at Kazan- Tatarastan 8th

l 11 Interna�onal Ombudsman Ins�tute World Conference is scheduled from 14-19 November, 2016 8

Page 2: Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

An Advisory Commi�ee, comprising of tax experts and eminent personali�es represen�ng the business community, under sec�on 18 of FTO Orderence-2000, compiled a comprehensive report containing some useful proposals, especially related to issuance of SROs, establishment of a Taxpayers Integrated Informa�on System linked with CNIC as sole iden�fier and adop�on of globally accepted principle of separa�on of tax policy, collec�on of revenue and adjudica�on. This Report was presented to the Government for considera�on during prepara�on of Finance Bill for the year 2015-16. Delay in implementa�on of FTO's Findings by FBR, especially where payment of refunds is involved and un-necessary li�ga�on by the FBR against our Findings and Decisions of the President on the Representa�ons were found recurring barriers hampering speedy jus�ce to the aggrieved taxpayers. Such situa�on, besides gradually eroding taxpayers' confidence in FTO as an ins�tu�on entrusted to ensure inexpensive and expedi�ous jus�ce to the aggrieved taxpayers, may also impede the business momentum that may, as a consequence, dampen the tax revenues and sicken the economy. To discipline this scenario, related systemic issues are being focused, interac�on between senior officers of FBR and FTO office being improved, greater synergy in the efforts of two ins�tu�ons, and also, capacity building and opera�onal restructuring of FTO office are being given preferred a�en�on. A Commi�ee was also cons�tuted to work out some systemic improvements for expedi�ous disposal of pending refund cases so that some measures could be proposed for the current Finance Bill.

Federal Ombudsman Pakistan, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui presented the Annual Performance Report 2015, of Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman)'s Secretariat to the Hon'ble President Mr. Mamnoon

thHussain at the President House, on 19 April, 2016.

According to the report, Federal Ombudsman decided record number of 227000 complaints during his three years tenure.

The Hon'ble Ombudsman, speaking to newsmen a�er presen�ng the Report, said that when he assumed the charge in 2013 as Federal Ombudsman Pakistan, 75,000 complaints were pending and there was no �me frame for deciding the cases. In view of the situa�on he submi�ed a proposal for standardiza�on of statutes and early disposal of complaints, which was passed by the Parliament and promulgated as Federal Ombudsmen Ins�tu�onal Reforms Act 2013. Under the Reforms Act it was now mandatory to decide every complaint within 60 days. He added that further accelera�on in disposal of complaints was made in 2015, a�er which the complaints were now decided in 45 days.

The Hon'ble Federal Ombudsman further stated that under the pilot project of Swi� Complaint Resolu�on (SCR), complaints were being redressed within 15 days at complainant's doorsteps. He said that designated inves�ga�ng officers are visi�ng 36 districts to hear complaints periodically and redressing them in record �me of 15 days.

About the credibility of Mohtasib's decisions, he said that appeals could be made before the President of Pakistan against Ombdusman's decisions, but only 0.37 per cent people had lodged appeals against Mohtasib's decisions out of which the President upheld 90 per cent of Mohtasib's decisions.

Highligh�ng the role of Grievance Commissioners, the Hon'ble Ombudsman apprised that he had appointed Grievance Commissioners for those departments/Agencies where number of complaints were on a higher side, which include Grievance Commissioners for children, overseas Pakistanis, pensioners and civic bodies.

He informed that keeping in view the contribu�on to na�onal economy of over 8.1 million overseas Pakistanis, one window facilita�on desks had been established at eight major Pakistani airports where officials of 12 concerned departments are present round the clock to solve the problems faced by the visi�ng overseas Pakistanis. On the direc�ves of Wafaqi Mohtasib, he said, focal persons have been appointed in 92 Pakistani missions and embassies to maintain liaison with the Pakistanis working abroad to help resolve their problems, while one day a week had been fixed by Ambassadors under his direc�ve to hear complaints of Pakistani ci�zens without any formal appointment. He informed that Machine Readable Passports are also now being issued to Overseas Pakistanis.

Another important measure was the cons�tu�on of a commi�ee to look into the condi�on of prisons with par�cular reference to the condi�ons of women and children in major jails. The Commi�ee members visited different jails of the country and formulated

Federal Ombudsman ( Wafaqi Mohtasub) presented the Annual Report 2015 to the Hon'ble President of Pakistan

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Quarterly Newsletter 12th Issue (April - June, 2016)2

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Quarterly Newsletter 12th Issue (April - June, 2016) 3

recommenda�ons a�er which steps were taken to provide facili�es to jail inmates, par�cularly women and children. The Hon'ble Federal Ombudsman stated that following the recommenda�ons of the Commi�ee cons�tuted to look into the causes of delay in finaliza�on of pensioner's cases and its disbursement, he directed all federal government departments/agencies to complete pension cases of an employee one month before his re�rement and also AGPR to ensure its �mely disbursement in pensioner's accounts.

Federal Ombudsman presented Commi�ees' Reports to the Hon'ble Chief Jus�ce of Pakistan

The Federal Ombudsman Mr. M. Salman Faruqui presented three reports on systemic issues of different agencies to the Hon'ble Chief Jus�ce of Pakistan Mr. Jus�ce Zaheer Anwar Jamali. Three separate commi�ees, to study and iden�fy maladministra�on and systemic failures in respect of police sta�ons, prisons and pension system, were cons�tuted earlier by the Federal Ombudsman. The commi�ees a�er considerable delibera�ons had finalized their reports which were presented by the Ombudsman to the Chief Jus�ce. The commi�ees on police sta�ons and prisons reforms were set up on the direc�ves of the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The Supreme Court had, in its order, outlined the cri�cal issues rela�ng to condi�ons in prisons of the country and directed the Ombudsman to take cognizance of the systemic failures resul�ng in mal-administra�on of prisons in the country. In pursuance of the direc�ve, the Federal Ombudsman cons�tuted 27 members high powered commi�ee headed by Senator Mr. S. M. Zafar, former Federal Minister for Law and Jus�ce, to examine the issue. Other members of the commi�ee were re�red Federal Secretaries, leading educa�onists, serving Inspectors General of Police of all the

provinces, reputed NGOs and other stakeholders. The commi�ee's recommenda�ons in line with the jail manuals and standards of civilized socie�es will bring improvement when implemented.

The commi�ee on police sta�ons reform, cons�tuted by the Federal Ombudsman in pursuant of the orders of the Honourable Supreme Court examined the underlying issues and made recommenda�ons to curb mal-administra�on in police sta�ons of the country. The commi�ee was headed by former federal secretary and Inspector General of police Mr. Abbas Khan. The other members of the commi�ee consisted of re�red Inspector General of police, re�red federal secretaries and prominent personali�es represen�ng important and related sectors of the society. Some of the important recommenda�ons of the commi�ee relates to cognizable offences, restora�on of the ins�tu�on of execu�ve magistracy, se�ng up of complaint authority in every district to prevent abuse of authority in police sta�ons. The commi�ee also recommended se�ng up Forensic Service Agency in provinces and specialized inves�ga�on centers at district level for improvement in the inves�ga�on process.The other important issue of which the Federal Ombudsman took no�ce on his own mo�on, is the painful delay in the disbursement of pensions which was causing considerable misery to the most vulnerable and helpless segment of the popula�on. The Ombudsman therefore, cons�tuted a commi�ee under the chairmanship of the former Auditor General of Pakistan Mr. Tanvir Ali Agha to examine pension system of the Federal Government and find out with a workable solu�on for ensuring �mely payment of pension to the senior ci�zens. The commi�ee a�er detailed delibera�ons iden�fied the magnitude of the problem, its nature and possible solu�ons in consulta�on with a broad spectrum of stakeholders for ensuring �mely payment of pensions. The commi�ee has made recommenda�ons that are prac�cal and easily implementable.

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

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Pictorial Glimpses of the Meeting

thThe 15 mee�ng of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO) was thheld on 20 April, 2016 at PC Hotel Karachi. Mr. Abdr Rauf Chaudhry,

Federal Tax Ombudsman, who is also the President of the FPO chaired the mee�ng which was a�ended by 11 Ombudsmen and representa�ves of the Ombudsman offices in the country.

Mee�ng started with recita�on from the Holy Quran. A�er opening remarks by the Chair, the agenda items were taken up one by one for considera�on of the par�cipants. A presenta�on on agenda items was made by Mr. Abdul Khaliq, Secretary FPO. A�er detailed discussion, important decisions were reached on the following Agenda Items:I. th Confirma�on of Minutes of 14 Mee�ng of FPO.ii. Adop�on of FOIR Act 2013 for legisla�on by the Provinces.iii. Jurisdic�on Issues.iv. Up-date on Interna�onal Collabora�on: Asian Ombudsman Associa�on.v. Ways and Means for Sustainability of FPO.vi. Change of Signatories of FPO Accounts.vii. Outreach of the Wafaqi Mohtasib Ins�tu�on to the District and Tehsil level.viii. Forthcoming Elec�on for Regional President of I.O.I Asian Region.ix. a) Equaliza�on of Advisors' pay in all Ombudsman Offices. b) Appointment of Grievance Commissioners for childrenx. a) Grant of pension to Federal Ombudsmen if admissible to AGP & judges of the Supreme/ High Courts. b) Jurisdic�on for Insurance Companies like SLIC and Postal Life Insurance.

th Provincial Mohtasib Baluchistan organized a one day Seminar on 30 May 2016 in Que�a. Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhary, the Federal Tax

ombudsman was the chief guest at the Seminar.

th15 Mee�ng of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsmen held in thKarachi on 20 April, 2016

Provincial Mohtasib Baluchistan organized a Seminar on Role of Ombudsman in Safeguarding Public Rights

President FPO and Federal Ombudsman presen�ng Souvenir to the outgoing Federal Insurance Ombudsman, Mr. Azhar Ali Farooqi

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Quarterly Newsletter 12th Issue (April - June, 2016)4

Page 5: Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Newly appointed Country Director ILO Pakistan, Ms. Ingrid Christensen along with other ILO officials visited Federal Ombudsman Secretariat (FOS) for Protec�on Against Harassment of Women at Workplace. Ms. Ingrid Christensen was sa�sfied about the work done with the support of ILO, and also assured their future support to FOS.

Federal Ombudsman Jus�ce (Retd) Yasmin Abbasey briefed the country director ILO about the future plans of FOS for adop�ng mechanisms to provide speedy jus�ce.

In the end, Ms. Ingrid Christensen saw working of different sec�ons of Federal Ombudsman Secretariat.

Thirty Seconds Tele Voice Commercials (TVCs) have been developed for Federal Ombudsman Secretariat. The purpose of these TVCs is to create awareness among all the ci�zens of Pakistan about the Protec�on against Harassment of Women at Workplace ACT 2010, and the Complaint Management and Tracking Informa�on System (CMTIS) which is available at FOS-PAH's official website (www.fos-pah.gov.pk). Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) will be requested to make sure that these Tele Voice Commercials are aired at prime �me on every TV channel of Pakistan.

The other par�cipants of the seminar were Provincial Mohtasib Baluchistan Mr. Muhammad Wasay Tareen, Mohtasib Azad Jammu & Kashmir Syed Mumtaz Hussain Naqvi, former Provincial Mohtasib Baluchistan Mr. Akbar Ali Baloch and President Baluchistan Bar Associa�on Mr. Baz Muhammad Kakar. Where as Chief Jus�ce Baluchistan High Court Mr Jus�ce Muhammad Noor Maskanzai and Member Provincial Assembly Mohtarma Yasmin Lahri a�ended the last session of the Seminar as Guest of Honour.

Chief Jus�ce Baluchistan High Court Mr. Jus�ce Muhammad Noor Maskanzai, while addressing the par�cipants, said that the is�tu�on of Mohtasib is very old ins�tu�on and it always took prompt ac�on in immediate redress of the public complaints and grievances. This ins�tu�on was formally established in the era of second Kaliph Hazrat Umer R.Z.

Earlier, the chief guest Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry, while addressing the seminar said that our whole cycle of life is determind by the words of God and public rights and obliga�ons have been treated equally important comparing with our obliga�ons to our Creator. Dispensa�on of jus�ce for ensuring public and fundamental rights, has been core message of Quran. He further said that Islamic concept of Qadi al Qadat was tradi�onalized under different names and in moderen era it is called Ombudsman.

Country Director ILO Pakistan, visited Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protec�on against Harassment of Women at Workplace

Tele Voice Commercials for Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protec�on against Harassment of Women at Workplace

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Quarterly Newsletter 12th Issue (April - June, 2016) 5

Page 6: Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

parliamentary sanc�ons. A Commi�ee under your chairmanship is already reviewing the SROs' ma�er, hopefully this aspect will also be considered.

IV. Remedial Measures to Clear Blocked Refunds The most recurrent issue brought to no�ce of this office is the delay in refund claims. This tendency not only causes inconvenience to the tax payers, especially the Business Community, but also plays counterproduc�ve role in the economic development. In view of the sensi�vity of the issue following Recommenda�ons are made.

i. Updated data regarding 'Blocked Refunds' may be placed on the FBR's website on monthly basis star�ng from 31. 8. 2016 containing disclosure of following informa�on.

Ÿ Accumulated Refunds pending on 01.08 2016.Ÿ Refunds added during the month.Ÿ Refunds paid during the month.Ÿ Closing balance as on 31.08.2016.ii. FBR should expedi�ously pay all outstanding refunds where

electronic Refund Payment Orders (e-RPOs) have been issued. iii. FBR should pay compensa�on in all cases where cheques for

admissible refund claims under Sec�on 10 of the Act are not paid within 45 days of filing or 07 working days of issue of e-RPO whichever is later.

The Hon'ble FTO, visited Custom House, Karachi on 19.04.2016, alongwith a team of Advisors, in order to be apprised about the func�oning of Customs Collectorates and Import/Export Clearance System, at Karachi Port.

The Chief Collector Appraisement, (South) gave a presenta�on about the working of various Collectorates. Similarly, a presenta�on was given by the Chief Collector Enforcement, (South) and another one by the Director (Reforms & Automa�on). Therea�er, the Hon'ble FTO, addressed the officers of Customs and stressed upon them to implement the recommenda�ons of FTO in le�er and spirit. Various queries raised by the officers were responded by the team of Advisors.

Later on, the Hon'ble FTO and team members were apprised on TPL Tracker system. A visit of Assessment Hall was also made and the officers of Customs responded to queries raised by the team members regarding clearance of import/export cargo.

Later on, Hon'ble FTO and other team members were escorted to Port area for apprising them about actual clearance of import and export cargo. A presenta�on was given by the management of PICT

The Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat in a DO le�er addressed to Finance Minister suggested some prac�cal recommenda�ons for the improvement of taxa�on system to be considered for inclusion in the Finance Bill 2016-17. These sugges�ons are based on the recommenda�ons of FTO Advisory Commi�ee, the feedback gathered from Business Community along with the response of taxpayers on tax policies and general conduct of the tax authori�es.These sugges�ons are;-I. Ins�tu�onal Reforms for Tax Policy, Collec�on and Adjudica�on To make the Taxa�on System effec�ve, the globally accepted

principle of separa�on of Tax Policy, Collec�on of Revenue and Adjudica�on needs to be adopted. For that, it is recommended;

I. For Policy Formula�on and providing mechanism for effec�ve oversight, Revenue Division needs to be made func�onal as an independent and competent body with adequate

par�cipa�on of private sector.ii. The role of FBR may be restricted to revenue collec�on within

the policy frame work set by the Revenue Division. FBR should comprise of independent Members instead of FB

Employees.iii. For providing fair and effec�ve judicial adjudica�on system,

departmental adjudica�on level and Commissioner of Appeals may be dispensed with and an independent Na�onal Tax Tribunal (NTT) may be cons�tuted under the Ministry of Law or the Supreme Court of Pakistan. NTT may a l s o h a v e provision for intra court appeals.

iv. The proposed NTT should consist of a Judicial Member (qualified to be appointed as a judge of the High Court) and a n Accountant Member.

II. Integrated Informa�on System for Taxa�onFBR should establish a Taxpayers Integrated Informa�on System linked with CNIC/NTN. Every transac�on involving banks, u�lity bills, purchase of moveable & immoveable property, air travel �ckets, payment of educa�onal ins�tu�ons fees, etc. may be linked with the proposed system. At the end of year the electronic income tax statement is sent to the individual taxpayer with the amount of tax calculated for payment.

III. Irregular Prac�ce of SROsGovernment prac�ce of issuing SROs without the approval of Parliament is clear viola�on of the provision of Ar�cle 77 of the Cons�tu�on and needs to be stopped such cons�tu�onal viola�ons with respect to Taxa�on in terms of SROs and Public Spending in terms of Supplementary Grants without prior

Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat sent Budget Proposals to the Finance Minister

Hon'ble Federal Tax Ombudsman visited Custom House,Karachi

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Quarterly Newsletter 12th Issue (April - June, 2016)6

Page 7: Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

(Pakistan Interna�onal Container Terminal), located at East Wharf, regarding handling of containers and examina�on of import/export cargo by the Customs. Customs sea installa�ons at Kemari were also visited.

“The Ins�tu�on of Federal Insurance Ombudsman is a ray of hope for all under – privileged and deprived segment of society where speedy jus�ce is being provided expedi�ously and free of cost.”

This was stated by the Federal Insurance Ombudsman Mr. Raeesuddin Paracha. He was speaking at a seminar organized by an NGO – Health Educa�on & Life Protec�on (HELP), held at Princeton Ins�tute of informa�on and technology (PIMSAT). He was of the view that insurance has never been among the priori�es of our society because of lack of awareness regarding importance and its benefits. The Ombudsman further said that today insurance is a vast field which has been expanded from business to all sectors of the life.

He said that the insurance companies have been introducing diversified a�rac�ve products in the educa�on sector with regard to educa�on plan and students are taking its benefits.

Mr. Raeesuddin Paracha further added that lack of knowledge about the availability of FIO's Ins�tu�on is a great dilemma and due to the complicated and costly judicial system people remain deprived to seek jus�ce, in such circumstances Ombudsman's Ins�tu�on ensures cost free jus�ce where the services of lawyer are not required to file a case for pleading before the Ombudsman and aggrieved person can plead his case by himself.

Shamim Farpo of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Dr.

Saira Bano and Chairman of HELP, Wajeeh Abidi, also expressed their views on the occasion.

The Honourable Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, on the advice of Chief Minister Sindh, has reappointed Mr. Asad Ashraf Malik as the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh for a further term of four years. Mr. Asad Ashraf Malik was administered oath of office by the Governor Sindh in an elegant ceremony. His reappointment has been highly appreciated by all sec�ons of society in view of his valuable services in the past.

stOn 1 June 2016 the Punjab Ombudsman Mr. Javed Mehmood resigned from his office. Talking to “The News” said he has resigned from his office as he wanted to take part in ac�ve poli�cs and has a wish to make common man part of mainstream poli�cs. He said the common man has always been deprived in our society. He said his friends had registered a poli�cal party by the name of 'Pakistan Roshan League' in 2011 and they wanted him to lead the party.

Hon'ble Federal Insurance Ombudsman Chaired a Seminar held at Princeton Ins�tute of Informa�on and Technology (PIMSAT)

Mr. Asad Ashraf Malik Reappointed as Provincial Ombudsman Sindh for a Term of Four Years

Provincial Ombudsman Punjab Resigned from his Office

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Quarterly Newsletter 12th Issue (April - June, 2016) 7

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Syed Pir Ali Shah, Provincial Ombudsman Sindh for Protec�on against Harassment of Women at Workplace, inaugurated first, Taluka Complaint Center (TCC) at Taluka Faiz Ganj of District Khairpur, in addi�on to District Complaint Centers (DCC) in 29 Districts across the province of Sindh. DCCs and TCCs are opened with a view to ensure implementa�on of the respec�ve law. Through the efforts of this office the number of complaints is increasing day-by-day which reflects that the confidence and trust have been increased amongst employees at workplace, ul�mately t h i s o ffi c e h a s p rove d a s re l i e f p rov i d e r i n s� t u � o n .

19th Annual mee�ng of the Board of Directors of the Asian Ombudsman Associa�on (AOA) is scheduled on 10-11 August 2016 at Kazan – Tatarastan. The host of the meetng Mrs. Saburskaya Sariya Kharisovna, Commissioner for Human Rights Republic of Tatarstan, has sent invita�ons to all office holders and members of the Board. Mr. M Salman Faruqui, the president of the AOA will chair the mee�ng wherein important issues will be taken up for discussion and decision.

The Office of the Ombudsman of Thailand will host the 11th IOI World Conference, which will be held in Bangkok (Thailand) from 14 – 19 November 2016. The IOI General Secretariat has issued the invita�on to the its members and issued the schedule of the mee�ngs and conference.

First Complaint Center at Taluka Level established by Provincial Ombudsman Sindh for Protec�on against Harassment of Women at Workplace

thAOA Board of Directors 19 Mee�ng is Scheduled on 10-11 August 2016 in Kazan- Tatarastan

th11 Interna�onal Ombudsman Ins�tute World Conference is scheduled on 14-19 November, 2016

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman

Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman Secretariat5-A, EDB Building, Cons�tu�on Avenue, Islamabad

Tele: 051-9222534 Fax: 051-9205553 Web: www.fpo.org.pk E-mail: fpo@�o.gov.pk; [email protected]

Ombudsman Ofce in Pakistan