Abdul Ghani

The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately refund the due tax to a Fahad A.S. Almezaal, Kuwaiti diplomat. According to the notice, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan, the FTO has instructed Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, RTO Islamabad, to ensure compliance with the order and submit a report within 30 days.

The directive came in response to Complaint No. 5539/INFRML/2025, in which the Kuwaiti diplomat approached the ombudsman over the undue delay in tax refund. Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah reaffirmed his office’s commitment to fair treatment of taxpayers.

“Refunds is a fundamental right. No taxpayer — whether a Pakistani citizen or a diplomat — should face unnecessary delays. Our mandate is to ensure justice and accountability in tax administration,” Dr. Jah emphasized. Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, Advisor at the Federal Tax Ombudsman and Head of Diplomatic Grievances Redressal Cell for Tax, told Wealth Pakistan that the ombudsman takes issues concerning foreign diplomats very seriously.

“This order is a clear message that administrative delays will not be tolerated. The Diplomatic Grievances Redressal Cell ensures diplomats and foreign missions are given prompt justice in all tax-related matters,” he said. Talking to Wealth Pakistan, the Kuwaiti diplomat welcomed the ombudsman’s move, calling it a positive step that will contribute to the diplomats’ confidence in the FTO.

“We highly appreciate the proactive approach of the FTO. It strengthens our trust that Pakistan is committed to resolving the legitimate financial concerns of foreign diplomats fairly and promptly,” he remarked.

Credit: INP-WealthPk