Latest news with #FTOSecretariat
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Campus Ambassador Programme' launched
ISLAMABAD: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Secretariat has launched first of its kind of 'Campus Ambassador Programme' to promote a stronger and more transparent tax culture in Pakistan. The Campus Ambassadors of the FTO office are acting as a bridge between academic institutions and public service. Ever since Almas Ali Jovindah , Advisor (Legal) and Executive Secretary of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman and the OIC Ombudsman Association, as well as Head of Youth Engagement and Diplomatic Grievance Redressal Cell - took charge, he has consistently demonstrated an eye for true brilliance. He strongly believes that the youth are the driving force of our society, and that tapping into their potential is essential for institutional growth and national development. With this vision, Jovindah initiated various national and international internship programmes, recruiting top-tier talent from leading universities and colleges across Pakistan. In yet another significant step towards youth engagement, the FTO Secretariat recently launched the Campus Ambassador Programme. Out of nearly 2,000 applicants, 39 students from 32 academic institutions were selected through a rigorous nationwide competitive process. This six-month engagement aims to build a bridge between academic institutions and public service. A comprehensive orientation and training session was held at the FTO Secretariat in Islamabad, where the selected Campus Ambassadors participated with great enthusiasm and fresh perspectives. The session was inaugurated by Almas Ali Jovindah himself, who encouraged the ambassadors to serve as informed and responsible liaisons between their institutions and the FTO. In their initial phase, the ambassadors will educate students about the role of the Ombudsman. In the later stages, their focus will shift toward raising awareness about the institution of the Federal Tax Ombudsman. Jovindah's inspiring address highlighted the importance of civic responsibility, leadership, and trust-building. This orientation marks a pivotal moment in fostering a culture of awareness, accountability, and active citizenship. The FTO Secretariat looks forward to working closely with its Campus Ambassadors to promote a stronger, more transparent tax culture in Pakistan. This initiative is a joint venture of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman and the Federal Tax Ombudsman. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Jannat Abuzar appointed Advisor to FTO
LAHORE: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has taken a progressive step toward digital reform by appointing Jannat Abuzar as Advisor on Digitization. A foreign-qualified professional with a strong background in digital governance and innovation, Jannat Abuzar is expected to play a pivotal role in modernizing the operations of the FTO office. Her appointment comes at a time when digital transformation has become central to improving public service delivery in Pakistan. With a global academic record and hands-on experience in technology-led policy implementation, Jannat Abuzar brings a fresh vision to the institution. As Advisor, her responsibilities will include the formulation and implementation of strategies aimed at digitalizing complaint-handling mechanisms, improving transparency, reducing response time and enhancing the overall efficiency of FTO's services. She is also expected to advise on the development of user-friendly platforms and the integration of data analytics in performance monitoring. Jannat Abuzar said that it's an honour to serve in this capacity. Her goal is to help build a smarter, faster and more inclusive tax redressal system using modern digital tools. A citizen-centric approach, rooted in innovation and accountability, will be at the core of all reforms. Officials at the FTO Secretariat expressed confidence that this strategic addition to their team will accelerate the institution's digital journey. They stressed that digitalization is not only essential for taxpayer convenience but also for building trust and credibility in tax grievance mechanisms. Jannat Abuzar also plans to initiate collaborations with IT experts and institutions to create a sustainable digital ecosystem within the FTO. Training programmes, internal capacity-building and automation of case handling will be among her key focus areas. The appointment has been widely welcomed by LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, tax professionals, digital policy experts and business circles, who see it as a forward-thinking move to strengthen taxpayer facilitation and align with global best practices. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
