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Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Mr. Ahmad Waqar has called for concerted
efforts to improve revenue collection to meet targets.
"The FBR officials and staff must apply themselves to the task with professional commitment and dedication,"

 he said in a keynote address to the 3rd meeting of the director generals of Large Taxpayers' Units (LTU)/regional tax offices (RTOs) held at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in the third week of January 2009.The meeting was inaugurated by Chairman, FBR and attended by Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member (Inland Revenue). Mr. Abrar Ahmad Khan, Member (Audit),Mr. Nau Bahar Kiyani, Member (Tax Policy & Reforms) and Muhammad Anees Member (Enforcement & Accounting) also attended along with DG from 16 reformed units and all Chiefs/Secretaries of Income Tax Wing. Mr. Waqar told the participants a composite audit plan of selected corporate cases would be conducted through chartered accountants and modalities in this regard are being worked out in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). He asked the director generals, LTUs/RTOs to vigorously pursue cases involving big tax evaders and non-filers to ensure compliance with tax laws.
Earlier Member (Inland Revenue) Mr. Irfan Nadeem presented a review of the six-monthly performance of direct taxes and urged the director generals to overcome shortfall in their targets. He also exhorted them to ensure that the audit was conducted in a fair and transparent manner without harassment of the taxpayers. He apprised the participants of the new changes made in the administrative set up of top hierarchy of FBR, which he said was aimed at achieving the desired objectives of the reform process. He informed the audience of various policy decisions including reward policy for officers and staff.
 

The Human Resource Management (HRM) wing of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) organised a day-long workshop on 'Change Management' at a local hotel in Islamabad on February 18, 2009.The workshop attended by FBR Chairman Mr Ahmad Waqar, all Members and Director Generals of

various RTOs and LTUs, was moderated by Mr. Alan Gilmour, a London-based HR consultant,who spoke at length on the concept of change management. The workshop was attended by FBR members and director generals of various Large Taxpayers' Units.
Addressing the workshop, Chairman Mr. Ahmad Waqar called for better organisational communication and an effective feedback from the employees to successfully complete the reform process under way in the FBR.
He said the FBR as an organisation was at a critical juncture of the reforms process that was started five years ago and was to by the end of 2009. "We must not allow the momentum of the reforms to be lost and work as a team to end the reforms process on a successful note," he said while addressing.
Mr. Waqar called for organisation of more workshops and interactive sessions for the FBR officials to better understand and review the process and benefits of effective change management and seek ways to further improve management to maximise the organisational potential.
 

The Human Resource Management (HRM) wing of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) organised a day-long workshop on 'Change Management' at a local hotel in Islamabad on February 18, 2009.The workshop attended by FBR Chairman Mr Ahmad Waqar, all Members and Director Generals of Government of Pakistan is committed to enhance domestic resource mobilization as part of its stabilization and reform strategy to meet the targets of sustainable growth. A key element in this regard is the establishment of a fair and efficient tax administration.
FBR has been undergoing a comprehensive Program of Tax Administration Reforms. The Program aimed at restructuring of FBR on the pattern of leading modern tax administration. The Tax Reform Program envisaged a functionally integrated tax administration of sales tax, federal excises and direct taxes. The key element was to facilitate the taxpayers by providing universal self-assessment across all taxes. It would not be possible to implement the system effectively without having a functionally designed tax administration. The FBR continued to operate in separate domains of Direct Taxes and Sales Tax / Federal Excises with partial design adjustments at Headquarters and field formations.
Accordingly, the tax administrations of direct tax, sales tax and federal excise have been integrated into a single position of Inland Revenue headed by a single Member. He is responsible for all field operations at the Regional Tax Offices and Large Taxpayers Units across the country. This step is intended to facilitate taxpayers by creating a single window access and aligning all business processes to promote a tax compliant culture.
In addition, a new support function of enforcement & accounting has been introduced in the functional design which is to be administered by a separate Member. At the same time the taxpayers’ audit has also been entrusted to an independent Member separating it from the internal audit function.
 

Officers of 90th National Management Course visit FBR; briefed on broad’s policy

A group of officers attending the 90th National Management visited FBR House on April 9, 2009 for a briefing on FBR’s working and role in national economy.
Welcoming the officers, FBR Chairman Mr Ahmad Waqar said FBR had been striving to provide a greater fiscal space to the government by improving the tax-to-GDP ratio and broadening the tax base. He said FBR had taken various steps in
recent years as part of a reform process to change

 the image and perception of FBR, broaden tax base, rationalize tax/tariff rates, improve resource mobilization efforts, encourage voluntary compliance , simplify tax laws and procedures, facilitate businesses and improve efficiency, integrity and transparency.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Irfan Nadeem, member Inland Revenue Service, said FBR was committed to enhancing the capability of the tax system to collect due taxes through application of modern techniques, providing taxpayer assistance and by creating a motivated, satisfied, dedicated and professional workforce.
He also briefed the participants on the functioning of FBR and highlighted the success of the ongoing reforms programme in achieving a greater autonomy and reorganization of FBR and its field offices on functional lines, integration of domestic taxes management, separate handling of large taxpayers, introduction of one-stop shop operation, improvement in physical infrastructure and compensation to employees.

Pakistan Taxation Cub Karachi fetes FBR Chairman

Pakistan Taxation Club, Karachi Chapter, hosted a dinner in the honour of Mr. Ahmed aWaqar, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue on February 14, 2009. The chairman was accompanied by Member Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Irfan Nadeem. The dinner was a glittering affair with the warmth of a family get-together. The festive spirit was highlighted by the presence of a police band. The members of the club celebrated the arrival of the head of the clan, Mr. Ahmed Waqar, by showering rose petals on him.

  The recitation of the Holy Quran was followed by their rising up for the national anthem. Mrs. Shaista Abbas, President of Pakistan Taxation Club, welcomed the Chief Guest and apprised him of the rich traditions of the club. The presence of a good number of retired officers added a distinctive value to the dinner. The Chief Guest Mr. Ahmed Waqar, was offered membership of the club by the Chief Patron, Mr. Asrar Raouf, the Director General, Karachi, RTO. The offer was graciously accepted. Mr.Irfan Nadeem, the Member Inland Revenue fondly recalled his long association with the Pakistan Taxation Club as its Secretary for eleven years, as Vice President and as President. He acknowledged the presence of his “Mentor”, the honourable Mr. Azhar Hassan Siddiqui and called him on to the stage to address the audience. The Chief Guest Mr. Ahmed Waqar, appreciating the warm welcome informed the audience that it was the second time he had been showered with so many flowers, the first being his own wedding. He thanked the members of Pakistan Taxation Club, especially the retired seniors for the honour bestowed upon him. The function ended with a lavish dinner, featuring delicious jumbo prawns as the main specialty.

Chairman holds interactive sessions with businessmen, bankers in Karachi

Mr. Ahmad Waqar, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue and Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member (Inland Revenue) Federal Board of Revenue, Islamabad visited Karachi on March 21, 2009 to hold key meetings with businessmen and traders. During the stay, a delegation of American Business Council of Pakistan (ABC) headed by the Asif Jooma, President ABC (M.D. Abbott) met the Chairman and Member (I.R.) at the offices of the Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) Karachi and gave

proposals for the upcoming Federal Budget 2009-10. Another delegation of Pakistan Banking Association (PBA) headed by Mr.Muhammad Aftab Manzoor, Chairman PBA (President & CEO ABL) also met the duo and discussed the issues of banking sector besides giving proposals for amendments to the coming fiscal budget 2009-10. In the end, Chairman FBR acknowledged the contribution made by both Associations to the economy of Pakistan.

FBR hosts LTU Excellence Awards for top taxpayers

Federal Board of Revene (FBR) organised an excellence award ceremony on January 17, 2009 in Karachi to honour and acknowledge the performance of top taxpayers of Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) Karachi.
Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs & Statistics was the chief guest on the occasion that was chaired by Mr. Ahmed Waqar, Chairman FBR and attended among others by Mr. Salim Raza, Governor State Bank of Pakistan,

Senator Ahmed Ali, Mrs. Fauzia Wahab MNA, Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member Inland Revenue FBR, senior officers and top taxpayers.
Mr. Muhammad Faiyaz Khan, Director General LTU Karachi, welcomed the guests and gave them an overview of the performance of top taxpayers who contributed towards revenue and nation building. He also spoke about reforms and attitudinal change of tax collectors in dealing with the taxpayers. He said concept of integrated tax management, automation of direct & indirect tax processing, auditing, e-filing, e-payment, priority & service to Large Taxpayers Unite)- had not only changed the mindset of all stakeholders, but had also reformed the very climate of Income Tax, Sales Tax & Federal Excise payment and collection. As a result, LTU which started by collecting Rs.57 billion in 2002-03 now boasted a collection of Rs.165 billion reflecting an average growth of 28% under all heads i.e. Incorne Tax, Sales Tax and Federal Excise over the past three years.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ahmed Waqar, Chairman FBR acknowledged the appreciable contribution of top taxpayers of the cosmopolitan Karachi. He also apprised the gathering of FBR’s efforts to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio and to broaden the tax base and collection of due taxes. He said FBR through a host of policy reforms had been able to gain stakeholders’ respect through an improved performance marked by less corruption and an approach reflecting professionalism, integrity, team work, courtesy, responsiveness, transparency and fairness.
Mr.Shaukat Tareen, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs and statistics, highlighted the importance of resources, especially tax revenue, for economic development, defence and social welfare. He reflected that while the tax collection figures had crossed the magic figure of Rs 1 trillion over time there was still a greater room for increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio through concerted efforts.
Later, the chief guest gave away awards to organizations who were the top taxpayers in terms of total tax i.e. Income Tax, Sales Tax & Federal Excise during the year 2006-07 in their respective business sectors.
 

LTU Islamabad staff honoured for excellence in work

The Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) Islamabad gave away appreciation letters and honourarium equaling one-month salary to various officers and staff of the LTU for showing excellent performance.
The certificates were given away by LTU Director General Mr. Khawar Khursheed Butt at a simple ceremony held in March. Those who received the honours included Ms. Nazia Zeb Ali, DCIT, Muhammad Farid, stenographer, Arshad Mahmood Baig,inspector, Pervez Akhtar Satti, inspector, Muhammad Ejaz, inspector,

Khalid Gill, inspector, Aleem-ur-Rehman, inspector, Mulazim Hussain, stenotypist, Syed Tahir Abbas, supervisor, Muhammad Farooq, UDC and Muhammad Mushtaq Gondal, UDC.
 

WB Mission visits LTU Islamabad

A delegation of the World Bank visited The Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) Islamabad offices March 31, 2009 to review piloting of new IT Systems and implementation of new processes. The Mission members were given a presentation on key pending activities with reference to Tax Administration Reforms Programme.

Irfan Nadeem visits DOT Lahore; meets senior, probationary officers

Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member IR, FBR visited the offices of the Directorate-General of Training and Research (Direct Taxes) Lahore on January 24, 2009.
The visit by Mr. Nadeem was his visit to the LTU

 Lahore following his appointment as Member Inland Revenue. During the visit, he held a meeting with the Director-General, Mr. Naseer Ahmad, and the faculty of DOT. A number of important issues were reviewed and discussed in detail. Mr. Irfan Nadeem gave specific directions and suggestions to the faculty to meet the evolving academic/ training needs of the Department and to adjust priorities accordingly.
Later, Mr. Irfan Nadeem also met with probationary officers of the 35th STP, who had a fruitful exchange of views on the newly formed Inland Revenue and a host of other pertinent issues.

Officers from 35th STP complete training

The Directorate-General of Training and Research (Direct Taxes) Lahore organised the Passing Out Ceremony of the 35th Specialised Training Programme (STP) on March 20, 2009 at the DOT Building in Lahore.
Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member IR, was the Guest of Honour on the occasion, while Mrs. Azra Mujtaba

attended the ceremony as a representative of the HRM wing of the Federal Board of Revenue. The family members of the probationary officers, as well as senior officers of the Department attended the function. Mr. Munir Qureishi, ex-D.G. (DOT) and Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad Gondal, were also present.
The Director-General (DOT) Mr. Naseer Ahmad Warraich, in his welcome address, lauded the active interest shown by the Chief Guest, Mr. Irfan Nadeem, in the various academic programmes undertaken at the Directorate, as well as his continuous support and encouragement for further improvements. Mr. Naseer Ahmad expressed the hope that the Member IR, would continue to actively patronize the efforts being made by the faculty of the Directorate for the training and continuous development of the officers and for embracing the new agenda of perpetual learning and understanding, necessitated by the reform process.
Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member IR, articulated his appreciation of the initiatives being taken to introduce radically important changes at the Directorate. He laid special emphasis on the promotion of research as a core academic activity, and highlighted the importance of introducing public speaking classes in the STP curriculum. In the end, Ms. Sameera Yasin, Director DOT, thanked MR. Irfan Nadeem and Ms. Azra Mujtaba, as well as all the officers of the department and the family members of the probationers, for their participation in the programme, and, in a moving and eloquent farewell address, advised the probationary officers to work with dedication and integrity in their future positions.
The Passing Out Ceremony of the 35th STP was a well-attended event, marked by celebration and festivity. Ms. Saadia Akmal conducted the proceedings as the stage secretary. Ms. Saadia Akram was declared the Best Probationer in academics, and Mr. Mohammed Ali Khan was acclaimed as the best probationer of the 35th Specialized Training Program.

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) organised a three-day conference on ‘Tax policy Options’ at a local hotel in Lahore in the second half of December 2008.
The conference was convened by Mr. Ahmad Waqar, Chairman FBR and Mr. Afzal Nau Bahar Kayani, Member (TP&R) FBR and jointly managed by Mr. Shahid Nasim, Commissioner, Enforcement-I, RTO, Lahore and Ms. Talat Altaf Khan, Commissioner (TPFD), LTU, Lahore.

The three-day conference was convened in the backdrop of global recession and its impact on Pakistan’s economy. It aimed at identification of tax policy and administrative framework in order to enhance domestic resource mobilization compatible with the reform agenda.
Among the key speakers and dignitaries who addressed different sessions of the moot were Mr. Shaukat Tareen, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance, Mr. Waqar Masood, Secretary Finance, Mr. Masood Ahmad, Director Middle East (IMF), Mr. renowned economist Hafeez Pasha and Dr. Ihtesham Ahmad from the IMF. The conference was attended by all Members of the FBR, all Director Generals and distinguished delegates.
The main functions/objectives were identified as enhancing tax to GDP ratio from 10% to 15% within next five years; generating fiscal space having focus on social development; gradual shifting to fully automated work environment; promoting voluntary compliance through enhanced facilitation; and ensuring optimal revenue compatible with potential.
Presentations were delivered by Dr. Ihtesham Ahmad from IMF and Mr. Hafeez Pasha and guidelines for achieving all objectives were provided by different participants mainly by Mr. Tariq Saeed Saigol (businessman), Dr. Waqar Hassan (Secretary Finance), Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Dr. Athar Maood, Mr. Mumtaz Ahmad, Member (Legal) and Mr. Abdul Wadood Khan, Member (Sales Tax). Mr. Kasper Richter also provided excellent guidelines on the issue of tapping tax base for development. Contributions of Dr. Ayda Urekli, Senior Economic Advisor and Dr. Ayesha Ghaus were also appreciated. The convention lasted for three days and successfully concluded with a vote of thanks to all the participants by Managers of the convention.

A foreign delegation visited Large Taxpayers Unit Lahore offices on February 18, 2009 following a request by the Director General, Performance Audit Wing of Accountant General of Pakistan. The participants of the course included members from Botswana, Mozambique, Yemen, Nepal, Maldives Turkey and Pakistan. The visiting delegates were given a presentation by Mr. Raza Munawwar, Additional Commissioner TPFD, LTU Lahore on the working of various wings of the LTU.

A group of 15 probationary officers from various occupational groups and services visited the LTU Lahore in the third week of March 2009.
The officers were given a presentation on electronic filing of returns and statements and electronic payments. They were also briefed on functions of audit, enforcement, legal, information processing and taxpayers facilitation division. At the close of the session, the participants met the Director General of the LTU and Director General, RTO, as well.

The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Abbottabad held an interactive meeting with the owners/representatives of major hotels, guest houses and restaurants on March 12, 2009.
The agenda of the meeting attended by nearly two dozen representatives of major hotels, guest houses and restaurants, including the Chairman of the Hotel’s Association of Abbottabad, was to motivate these representatives to file genuine sales tax returns on a regular basis and also to work out a formula based on the consumption of gas vis-à-vis the sale per rupee.

Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member (Inland Revenue) visited Regional Tax Office Faisalabad on February 16, 2009.
During the visit, the Member addressed the officers and dilated upon the reforms process and future plan of action of the Federal Board of Revenue. He was also given a briefing by the RTO Director General who highlighted performance of the Regional Tax Office Faisalabad vis-à-vis budgetary targets.

The briefing was followed by detailed presentations by the Commissioners of Income Tax and the Collector Sales Tax. The Member urged the officers to spare no effort in achieving optimum results. Later, he visited different functional divisions of the RTO and expressed his satisfaction with the overall performance, including that of Taxpayers’ Facilitation Division and the IP division. The Member was also briefed regarding work in progress at the Regional Tax Office, Faisalabad. The Member was pleased to plant a memorial plant at the office premises (Lawn) of the Regional Tax Office.

A series of meetings with traders and businessmen were organised by Taxpayers Facilitation Centre Sargodha with a view to increasing awareness about tax matters.
The first such meeting was arranged on March 18, 2009 with the executive body of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sargodha to brief the members on the prescribed rules for maintenance of books of accounts in respect of various categories of business. The members were given a presentation explaining the procedure for

 maintenance of books of accounts required for various categories of business as well as issues. They were also briefed on important issues related to Sales Tax and mandatory e-filing of Sales Tax Returns and maintenance of record pertaining to Sales Tax as prescribed under the Sales Tax Rules.
The Facilitation Centre organised a similar meeting with withholding agents on March 19, 2009 to educate them on their responsibilities as Withholding Agent to deduct/deposit the tax under various section of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and to file the requisite monthly/annual statements on the prescribed format. Yet another meeting was arranged with the representatives of Anjuman-e-Tajran, Sargodha to brief them on important points regarding maintenance of books of accounts by various categories of business. Copies of the advertisement on “Maintenance of Books of Accounts” were also distributed among the participants. The queries/questions raised by various participants were answered by the officials of Income Tax and Sales Tax.

Regional Tax Office (RTO) Faisalabad launched a tax awareness campaign to apprise the traders and businessmen of their obligations and responsibilities regarding tax matters.
The meetings were held separately with representatives of Anjuman-e-Tajran Faisalabad City, members of executive body of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sargodha, various withholding agents, office-bearers of Anjuman-e-Tajran Jauharabad and Anjuman-e-Tajran Khushab.

The traders and withholding agents were briefed on the prescribed rules for maintaining books of accounts and responsibilities of withholding agents. Similarly, taxation officers at TFC Mandi Baha-ud-Din, TFC Jhang, TFC Bhakkar and TFC Mianwali also distributed and circulated published FBR’s advertisements amongst members of Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Income Tax Bar Associations, withholding agents, trade bodies and taxpayers.

A World Bank delegation visited the FATE Wing in FBR House in the second week of April 2009 and held an interactive session with the officials to review progress on the reforms process under way in FBR.
The visiting delegates were briefed by Member FATE Mr. Mehmood Alam on the activities and efforts of the FATE Wing in facilitating taxpayers, raising public awareness about tax matters and liaising with the media. The WB delegation appreciated the initiatives, including the launch of TFCs, establishment of call centre/helpline,

publication of user-friendly information material, innovative tax awareness campaigns, taken by the FATE Wing. Chief FATE Mr Saeed-ur-Rahman, Secretary Qaisar Abbas and other officers serving in FATE Wing were also present.

A delegation of the World Bank visited the Regional Tax Office Karachi on April 1, 2009.
The visiting delegates spent a busy day in interacting with the Director General Mr. Asrar Raouf and his team representing both income tax and sales tax divisions. The team was shown around the Archiving Cell, the Automated Refund Cell, and the Call Centre. They appreciated the innovations of website and the helpline available within. The visit ended with presentation of bouquets, ajraks and Sindhi caps to the guests.

The Regional Tax Office Lahore Automation successfully completed the automation and networking of the offices at the Tax House.
Following the automation that started in January 2009 and continued until March 2009, the offices of officers and staff members were equipped with latest IT gadgets, including new branded computers and access to high speed internet facility for working on Mahasil, CREST & visit e-FBR portal etc.In other developments, the Tax House RTO Lahore was also provided with new furniture. Similarly, Registrationand Audit Divisions of Collectorate of Sales Tax & Federal Excise

were shifted from Kasuri Tower to Tax House3, RTO, Lahore.
Seven new appointments were made in the RTO Lahore under the provisions of deceased employees children quota.
Mr. Abdul Rauf and Ms. Shehnaz Rafique, currently posted as Commissioners at RTO Lahore, were recommended by the Promotion Board for elevation to BS-21. Ch. Safdar Hussain, Ms. Talat Altaf Khan, Ms. Raana Ahmad & Mr. Muhammad Akram Tahir, currently additional commissioners in Lahore, were also recommended for promotion to BS-20

The first meeting of Pakistan Taxation Club Inland Revenue, Multan Chapter was held on January 29, 2009.
The meeting was attended by all the officers posted in RTO, Multan. The charter of the Club was approved by the participants and office-bearers were elected by consensus. The Director General, RTO, Multan (Patron) of the Club awarded shields to Mr. Mehfooz-ur-Rehman Pasha, CIT on his transfer to RTO, Karachi, Mr. Gholam Kazim Hosein, on his promotion as CIT (OPS) and to Mr. Kaswar Hussain, ACIT,