Playing its role to get involved youngsters in mainstream for institutional arrangements to promote sense of responsibility and ownership for strong delivery, custodian of taxpayer’s rights in Pakistan Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) secretariat awarded certificates to interns who completed six months internship with the office successfully.
The FTO role becomes more significant in providing relief against arbitrary actions of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as people at the helm of country’s top tax authority affairs failed to strengthen fair, just, efficient and simple taxation system so far. Consequently, flawed system amid lack of structural reforms apparently is sufficient reason to promote tax evasion and arbitrary actions.
Under the aegis of FTO Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, veteran lawyer Almas Ali Jovindah, incumbent Advisor Legal promoted internship program for youngsters’ orientation in the system. Mr Jovindah is pioneer in predicting future of cyber laws in the country and suggest Pakistan’s economy could be at boom if information technology learning possibilities enhanced in shortest period saying it will make the youth proficient to utilize potential.
Citing a large number of youths earning substantial amount from software development in sub-division of District Vehari known as Burewala, Jovindah expressed in TBT Podcast saying promoting such activities in the country would be mega income source to address current account deficit.
One of the internees, Neelam Shujahuddin expressed while talking to TLTP , “I wish all the best of luck to the interns who completed their internship at the FTO Secretariat adding it was a remarkable experience working with the young and bright legal minds from Islamic International University, Quaid-e-Azam University, and Bahria University”. She was of the view that with sheer hard work and dedication, they have left a lasting impact on their seniors.
“As far as I am concerned, I couldn’t have asked for better mentors than His Excellency Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr.Asif Mahmood Jah and senior lawyer Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, who guided and appreciated me at every step. Joining the FTO Secretariat and then being inducted as an Assistant Advisor has been no less than a life changing and rewarding experience for me”, Ms Shujahuddin stated.
Tayyaba Munir, one of the law students who has completed internship with the FTO secretariat told TLTP that her internship with the FTO has been truly remarkable as it provided valuable learning experiences. “I consider myself fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors, including Sir Majid Qureshi (Registrar FTO), Sir Nazim Saleem (advisor sales tax), and Dr. Arslan (Advisor Custom), who imparted knowledge about various types of taxes”, she added.
While extending special gratitude to Advisor Legal of the FTO Almas Jovindah she was of the view that the Advisor Legal encouraging mentorship, enabled her to excel as a Youth Ambassador for the FTO office. “Along with my fellow interns I had a great experience acting as the outreach delegate for the FTO in different higher education institutions”, she said.
Certificate Distribution Ceremony was held to honor FTO interns 2023 at the FTO office. Advisor Sales Tax Nazim Saleem, Advisor Income Tax Naseer Butt, Advisor Customs Dr. Arslan Subactageen graced the event. They commended the interns for their efforts at the FTO Secretariat. Advisor Legal Almas Jovindah emphasized significance of the internship program and appreciated the efforts of all the interns.
Tayyaba Munir further expressed that the internship has been transformative saying she encourage other students, especially those studying law, to consider joining FTO as interns. “It is very important for the youth to familiarize themselves with platforms like FTO, as we are the future taxpayers, and understanding our rights is vital. Through this internship, I’ve witnessed the positive impact that the FTO has on individuals facing challenges with tax authorities. In essence, the FTO is an institution that works wonders, offering relief to those who have suffered at the hands of tax-related issues”, she concluded.
