The writer is an economist, anchor, and geopolitical analyst
and the President of All Pakistan Private Schools’ Federation
president@Pakistanprivateschools.com
In the realm of public service, few figures embody the fusion of professional acumen, humanitarian zeal, and unwavering commitment to justice as profoundly as Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah. Dr. Jah’s visionary leadership was instrumental in revolutionizing the FTO Secretariat. He introduced innovative reforms, streamlined processes, and ensured that the institution remained accessible and responsive to the needs of the public. His tireless efforts to promote transparency and accountability earned him widespread recognition and accolades. Appointed as the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) of Pakistan in September 2021 for a four-year term, Dr. Jah has redefined the institution’s role, elevating it from a relatively understated entity to a powerhouse of taxpayer advocacy. Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, whose visionary leadership transformed the institution into a beacon of transparency, accountability, and public trust. Under his dynamic guidance, the FTO Secretariat achieved unprecedented success, resolving 44,370 complaints out of 50,903 filed—a record surpassing the combined performance of the previous two decades. His tenure marked a new era of proactive grievance redressal, institutional expansion, and nationwide accessibility through regional offices and digital platforms. Dr. Jah championed taxpayer awareness and outreach by launching publications like “Mohasib Ki Diary,” awareness seminars, and collaboration initiatives with leading universities and chambers of commerce. He also spearheaded youth engagement programs, including internships, campus ambassador initiatives, and legal awareness drives, inspiring a new generation toward ethical governance. His humanitarian spirit, integrity, and commitment to public service left a lasting legacy—strengthening the FTO’s role as a trusted guardian of citizens’ rights and good governance in Pakistan. Taxpayers are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. At the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat, every taxpayer deserves respect, dignity, and justice. Our mission is to protect citizens against maladministration by tax authorities and to provide a swift, cost-free, and transparent grievance redressal system. Under his stewardship, the FTO Secretariat has become synonymous with transparency, accountability, and public trust—principles that have not only resolved grievances but also fostered a culture of fairness in Pakistan’s tax ecosystem. As his distinguished tenure draws to a close in 2025, it is fitting to honor Dr. Jah and the dedicated team at the FTO Secretariat for their indelible contributions, which have safeguarded taxpayer rights and bolstered national economic integrity. Born in 1962 in Sargodha, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah’s journey is a testament to versatility and dedication. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from the prestigious King Edward Medical College, he initially pursued a career in healthcare before transitioning to public administration. Joining the Pakistan Customs Service in 1989 as an Assistant Collector, he rose through the ranks, serving in key positions such as Collector of Customs in cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. His premature retirement from the service paved the way for his historic appointment as FTO—the first from the Customs background, bringing insider expertise to address systemic tax maladministration. Dr. Jah’s accolades speak volumes: he is a recipient of the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (SI) and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (HI), Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, recognizing his exemplary service. Beyond bureaucracy, he is a prolific author of over 30 books, including the recently launched “Mohatsib ki Diary”, a reflective chronicle of his experiences that underscores the human element in governance. His philanthropic endeavors through the Customs Healthcare Society (CHCS) have provided aid during national calamities, such as the 2005 earthquake, floods in Pakistan, and even earthquake relief in Turkey—extending clean water, medical support, and green initiatives to remote areas like Thar and Balochistan. This holistic approach has earned him unanimous recognition, including an honorary fellowship from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) for his lifetime of service. The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Secretariat paid tribute to the remarkable tenure of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, a stalwart champion of transparency, accountability, and public trust. During his tenure, Dr. Jah demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice, transforming the institution into a beacon of hope for the citizens of Pakistan.
As the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) the remarkable tenure of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, it is pertinent to acknowledge the profound impact he has had on the institution. With his visionary leadership, Dr. Jah has transformed the FTO Secretariat into a bastion of transparency, accountability, and public trust, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and guide the institution for years to come. His tenure has been marked by unwavering commitment to fairness, justice, and the principles of good governance, earning him widespread recognition and accolades. Under Dr. Jah’s stewardship, the FTO Secretariat achieved significant milestones, including: Dr. Jah introduced measures to enhance transparency in tax-related matters, ensuring that citizens had access to clear and concise information about tax laws and procedures.; Improved accountability, he strengthened the institution’s accountability mechanisms, ensuring that tax authorities were held responsible for their actions and decisions; Enhanced public trust, Dr. Jah’s commitment to fairness and justice helped build public trust in the institution, leading to increased citizen engagement and cooperation. Some notable achievements during Dr. Jah’s tenure include: Streamlined complaint resolution; Dr. Jah introduced efficient complaint resolution mechanisms, ensuring that citizens’ grievances were addressed in a timely and effective manner; Taxpayer education, he emphasized the importance of taxpayer education, launching initiatives to promote awareness about tax laws and procedures; Capacity building, Dr. Jah invested in capacity-building programs for FTO Secretariat staff, enhancing their skills and expertise in tax-related matters. Dr. Jah’s success was not solely his own achievement; it was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire FTO Secretariat team. He fostered a culture of collaboration and teamwork, empowering his team members to excel in their roles and contribute to the institution’s mission. As Dr. Jah concludes his tenure, his legacy serves as a benchmark for future leaders. His contributions to promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust will continue to inspire and guide the FTO Secretariat. The institution remains committed to building on the foundations laid by Dr. Jah, ensuring that the tax system remains fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. The team at the FTO Secretariat extends its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah for his visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His tenure will be remembered as a defining period in the institution’s history, and his contributions will continue to shape the future of tax administration in Pakistan. Upon assuming office, Dr. Jah inherited an institution established in 2000 under the FTO Ordinance, which had historically struggled with limited outreach and responsiveness. He swiftly introduced sweeping reforms, emphasizing a “taxpayer-first” ethos. Viewing taxpayers as the “backbone of the economy,” he mandated that they be treated with respect, streamlining processes to eliminate delays, discrimination, and opacity. One cornerstone reform was the fast-track complaint disposal mechanism. Complaints are now resolved within 30-34 days on average, down from longer timelines, with decisions often delivered after just one or two hearings. In 2023 alone, the average disposal time was 44 days, showcasing operational efficiency. Dr. Jah also leveraged Section 33 of the FTO Ordinance to promote informal dispute resolutions, surging their adoption and reducing formal litigation burdens. To enhance accessibility, the FTO expanded its footprint with new regional offices and help desks at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) locations in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Digital innovations, including a helpline, social media campaigns, and mass messaging via cellular companies, have democratized access to justice. A pioneering Diplomatic Grievances Redressal Cell was established to assist foreign embassies and their staff with tax issues, reinforcing Pakistan’s image as a fair regulatory environment. Dr. Jah’s proactive stance extended to 31 own-motion investigations, targeting systemic flaws in tax administration. These efforts have expedited refunds, with Rs 2 billion disbursed in a recent 10-month period and a staggering Rs 17.74 billion in 2023—more than double the Rs 7 billion in 2022. Awareness seminars and interactions with business communities in major cities have further amplified the FTO’s role in educating stakeholders.
Under his dynamic guidance, the FTO Secretariat achieved unprecedented success, resolving 44,370 complaints out of 50,903 filed—a record surpassing the combined performance of the previous two decades. His tenure marked a new era of proactive grievance redressal, institutional expansion, and nationwide accessibility through regional offices and digital platforms.
The metrics under Dr. Jah’s leadership are nothing short of revolutionary. From 2021 to January 2025, the FTO received 50,904 complaints and disposed of 44,370—a record that surpasses the total complaints (37,118) and disposals (26,228) over the institution’s first 20 years (2001-2020). In 2023, complaint registrations rose 24% to 8,076 from 6,480 in 2022, with disposals climbing to 8,128 from 6,106. Remarkably, 98% of FTO decisions have been upheld by the President of Pakistan, with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) implementing most orders and submitting compliance reports. This high affirmation rate underscores the credibility of Dr. Jah’s judgments. Relief has extended to diverse groups, including low-paid employees, teachers, salaried individuals, pensioners, and vehicle purchasers, providing free-of-cost justice within 60 days. Enhanced coordination with the FBR has ensured timely implementation, addressing longstanding issues like delayed refunds and maladministration. In 2024, Dr. Jah presented the FTO’s Annual Report to President Asif Ali Zardari, highlighting these milestones and advocating for further improvements in the tax regime to boost revenue without undue burden. No transformation of this magnitude occurs in isolation. Dr. Jah’s vision has been amplified by the tireless efforts of the FTO Secretariat team, comprising advisors, regional heads, and support staff who embody professionalism and empathy. Key figures like Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, Advisor Legal, Executive Secretary OIC, and Head of the Diplomatic Grievances Redressal Cell, Mr. Khalid Mehmood Registrar FTO have been instrumental in legal reforms and international outreach. Coordinators such as Saifur Rehman have driven awareness sessions, ensuring simplified procedures reach the grassroots. The team’s collaborative spirit has fostered an environment where complaints are handled with merit-based precision, reducing disposal times and enhancing public engagement. Their role in conducting hearings, investigating own-motion cases, and facilitating refunds has been pivotal. As Dr. Jah himself notes, the Secretariat’s commitment to efficiency and fairness has turned the FTO into a “beacon” for taxpayers, with advisors directed to prioritize swift, transparent resolutions. This collective endeavor has not only resolved grievances but also built bridges between taxpayers and the state, restoring faith in institutional mechanisms. Dr. Jah’s tenure has profoundly impacted Pakistan’s fiscal landscape. By prioritizing transparency—through digital tools and public awareness—the FTO has demystified tax processes, encouraging compliance while curbing malpractices. Accountability is evident in the near-perfect upholding of decisions and the FBR’s improved responsiveness. Public trust has surged, as evidenced by increased complaint filings and positive feedback from business leaders, who praise the FTO for protecting rights and facilitating economic growth. His emphasis on ethical governance, drawn from personal values influenced by his late father, has set a benchmark for public institutions. In a nation grappling with economic challenges, Dr. Jah’s reforms have provided tangible relief, injecting billions back into the economy and reinforcing the idea that justice is accessible to all, regardless of status. As Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah concludes his tenure, his legacy endures as a blueprint for institutional excellence. From record-breaking complaint resolutions to humanitarian outreach, he has transformed the FTO into an emblem of hope and equity. The team at the FTO Secretariat shares in this glory, their dedication ensuring sustained progress. In celebrating Dr. Jah, we honor not just a leader, but a servant of the people whose work continues to illuminate Pakistan’s path toward prosperity and justice. His story reminds us that true leadership lies in service, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of the greater good. Dr. Jah’s tenure has left a lasting impact on the FTO Secretariat and the broader tax landscape in Pakistan. As Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah concludes his tenure as Federal Tax Ombudsman Pakistan, his legacy shines bright as a beacon of transparency, accountability, and public trust. His visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment to excellence have transformed the institution, leaving an indelible mark on the tax landscape of Pakistan. The FTO Secretariat remains steadfast in its commitment to building on the foundations laid by Dr. Jah, ensuring a brighter future for taxpayers and citizens alike. As the institution looks ahead, it draws inspiration from Dr. Jah’s remarkable tenure, reaffirming its dedication to fairness, justice, and the principles of good governance. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust has raised the bar for tax administration in the country, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of tax professionals. Let’s, together, build a fairer, more accountable tax culture for Pakistan.
