A spokesman to the federal tax ombudsman (FTO) has categorically contradicted a news item published in a section of the press claiming that a move had been made for the extension of the FTO’s tenure.
The spokesman on Monday termed the news item “incorrect”, “scandalous” and “derogatory”.
He said the idea of any deal was preposterous, adding that the FTO was not amenable to any deals by interested parties. “He has always believed in performing his duties without fear or favour.”
He said a current FTO’s term could not be altered under Section 6 of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance. The federal tax ombudsman was correct in stating in the press conference that the cabinet did not discuss any changes in the FTO Ordinance-2000 in its meeting held on November 14, he said, adding that if the issue had been on the agenda of the cabinet, the FTO secretary would have attended the cabinet meeting.
“Even if an amendment is under the cabinet’s consideration, it cannot relate to the incumbent.”
“After the cabinet’s approval of any matter, it is placed before the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly and the Senate,” he said, adding that these committees consisted of members from all political parties represented in parliament. Therefore, the proposed amendments had to be approved by the National Assembly and Senate separately. “Only then these can be placed before the president for his assent.” “As the whole process is quite lengthy, it is unlikely to be completed within the term of present parliament,” he said.
