President Alvi calls for developing a comprehensive strategy to promote cultural heritage of country

LAHORE/ ISLAMABAD, Feb 04 (SABAH): President Dr. Arif Alvi has called for developing a comprehensive strategy to promote cultural heritage of the country, including Pakistani apparels, garments, arts and crafts, at international level to further enhance Pakistan’s exports. He urged the need to establish collaborations and synergies among the relevant industry stakeholders and foster academia-industry linkages for developing Pakistan’s fashion industry to its fullest potential, besides improving the access of local fashion brands to international markets.

President Dr. Arif Alvi made these remarks during a meeting with Lahore’s fashion designers regarding the promotion of Pakistan’s image in the international fashion and garments industry, at Governor House, Lahore on Friday. The meeting was also attended by Director General TDAP, Punjab, Mr Shahzad Ahmed Khan, Patron-in-Chief of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, Gohar Ijaz, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, Lahore, Professor Hinna Tayaba and senior officials of the Government. The meeting discussed various suggestions for developing the local garments and fashion industry and projecting Pakistan’s positive image through textile and cultural products. It was emphasized to develop collaborations and linkages among local and international garments brands, address structural issues regarding international payment mechanisms, further improve the ease of doing business, and facilitate local brands to market and showcase their products abroad.

Addressing the meeting, President Dr. Arif Alvi said that Pakistan’s textile and garments sector possessed enormous potential that needed to be further developed to boost the country’s exports. He underscored the need for exploring new markets for textile products to increase exports of the country. The President remarked that the steps were being taken to further improve the ease of doing business and facilitate exporters to play their role in the economic development of the country. The President assured the participants of his support and commended their efforts in developing the Pakistani pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020.

Meanwhile President Dr. Arif Alvi while upholding the decisions of Federal Tax Ombudsman regarding maladministration of FBR officials in processing refund cases has directed the FBR to implement FTO‘s recommendations . The departmental plea regarding bar on jurisdiction of FTO in such cases has also been set aside by the president. He has directed The commissioner –IR, Commission West ZONE ISLAMABAD and commissioner I-R Enforcement 11- CTO Karachi their orders by exercising powers conferred U/S 122 A , as per law : and report compliance within 30 days .

In all three cases the background of the case was similar as under: In the first case: pertaining to Sahiwal against order framed under section 170(4) of the income Tax Ordinance, 2001 (the ordinance) for tax year 2018 by commissioner. I.R Sahiwal Mr. Nazir Ahmad Proprietor of M/s Bilal Commission Shop. He filed a complaint before the Federal Tax Ombudsman against failure to dispose of refund application for tax year 2018 which was disposed of vide findings with the recommendations that FBR may direct the commissioner –IR, Sahiwal Zone to complete the verification and settle complainants refunds for tax years 2018,after providing him opportunity of hearing as per law. In the second Case an individual filed return of income for tax year 2020 under section 114(1) of the ordinance claiming refund amounting to Rs 0.188 million and e-filed refund application for tax year 2020.

He contended that the department issued notice under section 170(4) of the ordinance for functioning supporting evidence. Although avery short time was allowed but he made compliance whereas the unit officer without considering reply of the complainant passed the impugned order, in terms of section 170(4) of the ordinance whereby by the refund application was rejected. He therefore took up the matter with the Federal Tax Ombudsman by filing complaint under section.

Federal Tax Ombudsman thrashed the matter, directed FBR; “It is an admitted position that the complaint e-filed refund application for tax year 2020. Evidently, the unit officer issued notice, under section 170(4) of the ordinance requiring the complainant to submit supporting evidence. Although the notice issued was in contravention of the FBR’S circular ,observed from perusal of the impugned order reflects that what to talk of providing statutory opportunity of impugned order passed under section 170 (4) of the ordinance. In case no 3, Yousuf Irshad Hussain,(the complainant) a propertie concern, filed returns of income for tax years 2016 to 2019 under section 114 (1) of the income tax ordinance ,2001 the ordinance claiming refund amounting to Rs 0.051 million ,Rs 0.048 million ,Rs 0.063 million and Rs 0.063 million and Rs 0.072 million. He e-filed refund applications for tax years 2016 and 2019 along with evidence of tax deduction .however, despite his persistent efforts the zonal CIR failed to serve on the complainant orders in writing of the decisions in terms of section 170(4) of the ordinance within the stipulated time .he therefore took up the matter with Hon’ble FTO by filing complaint under section 10(1) of the FTO ordinance.