Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan

Honorable Federal Ombudsman Mr. Naveed Kamran
 Baloch paid a courtesy call on Honorable Federal Tax Ombudsman Mr. Zafar Hijazi, and the two reaffirmed their shared resolve to strengthen the effectiveness of Pakistan’s ombudsmen institutions.

The Honorable Federal Tax Ombudsman, Zafar Hijazi, called on the newly appointed Wafaqi Mohtasib, Mr. Naveed Kamran Baloch, to congratulate him.
In their meeting, both reiterated their commitment to unified efforts in strengthening and enhancing the effectiveness of ombudsman institutions across Pakistan within the domain of public justice.

The Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat participated in an international webinar organized by the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA) in collaboration with the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco on “Evidence Based Policy Making and the Ombudsman’s Contributions in Legislative Reform.”
The session was delivered by Mrs. Najoua Achargui, who highlighted how ombudsman institutions can use complaint data, institutional analysis, and reporting mechanisms to support evidence-based public policy and legislative reforms.
Representing the Secretariat, Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, Advisor Legal to the Federal Tax Ombudsman and Executive Secretary of OICOA, appreciated the valuable insights shared and emphasized the importance of such knowledge-sharing initiatives for strengthening governance, accountability, and institutional learning.

The Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat successfully concluded its Winter Internship Programme with a formal Certificate Distribution Ceremony, attended by interns who completed their structured training and professional exposure at the Secretariat.
The ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan, Mr. Zafar Hijazi, who personally distributed certificates among the interns and appreciated their dedication, professionalism, and active participation throughout the programme. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of youth engagement, institutional learning, and the role of young professionals in strengthening accountability and governance in Pakistan.
The event was also attended by Prof. Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of the ECO Science Foundation, who acknowledged the importance of capacity building and interdisciplinary exposure for young leaders. Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, Advisor Legal and Head of Youth Initiatives, highlighted the Secretariat’s expanding youth engagement framework and the growing impact of the internship programme in recent years.
The ceremony was coordinated by Ms. Munimah Riaz, Assistant Research and Outreach and Head of the Internship Programme, whose leadership ensured a structured, meaningful, and professionally enriching experience for the Winter Batch interns.
The event marked the successful completion of another cycle of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat’s commitment to youth development, professional training, and institutional capacity building.

The Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat today successfully concluded an engaging and knowledge-enriching session attended by our Winter Batch Interns, along with a diverse group of external participants from various academic and professional disciplines, who joined both in person and online.
The session featured a distinguished lecture by Prof. Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), on the theme “STEM Education as a Catalyst for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through 21st Century Skills.”
Prof. Dr. Tayebi emphasized the strategic importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in driving sustainable economic growth, strengthening institutional capacity, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and technological transformation.
Participants gained valuable insights into the link between economic development and STEM-driven innovation, the role of emerging technologies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the need for developing economies to invest in human capital and research ecosystems. The session also highlighted how strong governance structures, accountability mechanisms, and knowledge-based institutions complement scientific advancement in achieving sustainable development.
The interactive discussion allowed interns and participants to engage directly with the speaker, ask questions, and explore interdisciplinary perspectives connecting public administration, technology, policy, and economic reform.
This session reflects the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat’s continued commitment to youth development, intellectual engagement, and cross-sectoral dialogue, providing young professionals with exposure beyond conventional legal and tax domains.

On 20 February 2026, the Tax Ombudsman Service of Tanzania (TOST) visited the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat for the final engagement of their study tour, culminating in a formal closing ceremony presided over by the Honourable Zafar Hijazi, Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan.
The session was hosted by Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, who appreciated TOST’s commitment and their decision to select Pakistan as a study model. The ceremony was attended by Khalid Javed, Dr.Arslan Subuctageen, Mr. Nazim Saleem, Mr. Tanvir Akhtar, and Mr. Khaldoon, among other officers.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Erastus V. Mtui expressed gratitude for the dedication and hospitality extended by the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat and shared his interest in visiting again in the future.
During the ceremony, Mr. Zafar Hijazi distributed certificates to the delegation along with a special calligraphy painting created by FTO officer and international artist Mr. Zakria Jalil. Mr. Mtui presented a commemorative souvenir to Mr. Zafar Hijazi exchanged traditional gifts on behalf of TOST and also presented his book. Souvenirs were further presented to Dr.Arslan Subuctageen, Mr. Khalid Javed, Mr.Tanvir Akhtar, Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, Mr. Nazim Saleem, Mr. Khaldoon, Ms. Neelam, Ms. Munimah Riaz, Mr. Zakria Jalil, and Mr. Faraz, reflecting the spirit of goodwill and institutional friendship.
The study visit is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, whose facilitation enabled meaningful cross-border institutional exchange and capacity building.

The Tax Ombudsman Service of Tanzania (TOST) delegation visited a Regional Tax Office of the Federal Board of Revenue, where the Chief Commissioner and fellow Commissioners warmly welcomed the Ombudsman, Erastus V. Mtui.
The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on operational procedures and revenue collection mechanisms, gaining valuable insights into Pakistan’s tax administration framework.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Chief Commissioner presented a commemorative shield to Mr. Mtui on behalf of the Federal Board of Revenue as a gesture of appreciation and institutional goodwill.
The study visit is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, facilitating meaningful cross-border institutional exchange and capacity building.

The delegation visited the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat For Protection Against Harassment At Workplace FOSPAH Secretariat, where they met the Honourable Ombudsperson, Fauzia Viqar, and received a detailed briefing on the mandate of FOSPAH and Pakistan’s anti-harassment laws.
On the occasion, the Tanzanian Tax Ombudsman, Erastus V. Mtui, exchanged traditional souvenirs with the Ombudsperson as a gesture of goodwill and institutional friendship.
Members of the delegation were also presented with tokens of appreciation on behalf of the FOSPAH Secretariat, marking a meaningful engagement and strengthening institutional ties.
The study visit is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH facilitating meaningful cross border institutional exchange and capacity building.

The delegation was received by Justice (R) Irfan Qadir, Chief Legal Consultant to the President of Pakistan and the Presidential nominee in Ombudsman matters. During the visit, the delegation, along with officers of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat and representatives of GIZ, observed several live hearings presided over by Justice (R) Irfan Qadir.

The proceedings offered valuable insight into the constitutional review and appellate mechanisms applicable to Ombudsman recommendations, highlighting the legal safeguards embedded within Pakistan’s oversight framework.

Following the hearings, an interactive session was held in which Justice (R) Irfan Qadir elaborated on the review process, legal standards applied in Ombudsman cases, and the broader constitutional structure that supports administrative accountability.

On the occasion, the Ombudsman of Tanzania presented commemorative souvenirs to Justice (R) Irfan Qadir as a gesture of appreciation and institutional goodwill, symbolizing strengthened cooperation between the oversight institutions of both countries.

This visit forms part of a structured knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration and comparative understanding of grievance redressal systems. The study visit is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)GmbH, facilitating meaningful cross border institutional exchange and capacity building.

Tanzania InstitutionalCollaboration

On the third day of the International Study Tour, the distinguished delegation from the Tax Ombudsman Service of Tanzania (TOST), accompanied by representatives of GIZ and officers of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat, visited the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat (Federal Ombudsman Secretariat of Pakistan) as part of their structured institutional learning program.

The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the institution’s working mechanisms, jurisdiction, and operational framework, including complaint-handling procedures, investigation methodologies, and safeguards that ensure administrative accountability and citizen protection. An engaging and interactive session followed with senior officials and Advisors, where comparative perspectives on grievance redressal and oversight practices were exchanged.

The session was further enriched by the presence of the Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan, His Excellency Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, who shared reflections on the evolution of the ombudsman institution in Pakistan, its constitutional mandate, and its role in promoting transparency, good governance, and citizen-centric service delivery.

The delegation also visited the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) Secretariat, where they were briefed on its structure, documentation, and role in strengthening regional cooperation among ombudsman institutions across Asia.

This visit highlights growing international engagement with Pakistan’s oversight institutions and opens new avenues for cross-border institutional collaboration. The study tour is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH,reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening accountability and governance frameworks.

A delegation from the Gujranwala Tax Practitioners Association called on Mr.Zafar Hijazi, Honourable Federal Tax Ombudsman, at the FTO Secretariat.

The meeting reflected constructive engagement with the tax community, reinforcing collaboration and institutional dialogue for improved grievance redressal.

Day 2 continued with an engaging session by Ms. Munimah Riaz on Youth Initiatives at FTO Pakistan.

The presentation highlighted youth engagement, awareness-building, and outreach strategies to strengthen good governance and public trust, benefiting the TOST delegation.
The visit is being conducted in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.