FTO orders FBR to refund decided cases of exporters’ claim

By Syed Sajid Aziz
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), Abdur Rauf Chaudhry, has ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to refund and clear all such refund claims to the exporters that have been decided. 

While addressing the members of Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry on May 13, the FTO announced that, in order to facilitate the exporters, he by himself would approach the FBR to make payments of already settled refund claims within the specified time limit. 

He declared that he will also instruct the FBR to arrange the publishing of Customs’ daily list of Import and Export through Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) in order to facilitate the business community and to promote the transparency in the international business transactions. 

Responding to a question he noticed that the demand of Tool Tax twice at Karachi Northern Bypass which tantamount to double taxation would be addressed in accordance with law in the larger public interest. The FTO also assured to monitor the expenses being made by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) from export development surcharge meant for the promotion of export trade in accordance with relevant legal provisions but grossly misused. 

In his welcome address, President LCCI, Ismail Suttar said that the institution of FTO has risen to the expectations of those about one million Pakistanis who had fallen prey to official apathy, incompetence and maladministration. 

It is the satisfaction for all concerned that this institution has disposed of about 70,000 cases by the end of 2013 which is really quite appreciative and an exemplary performance for other public institutions. The FTO Office is also watching the pending cases of sales tax refund claims amounting to more than Rs 97 billion and the issues relating to this matter. 

In our opinion the reduction of the rate of sales tax and income tax, as has been suggested by the business community, will not only reduce the complaints against the tax collecting agencies but also will broaden the tax-base in the country. 

Regarding the matter that when your FTO decides any case against the FBR, who file an appeal with the Office of the President of Pakistan and this takes quite a long time to be decided and thus the significance of your justified judgment goes in vain. 

This has been a general conception amongst the business community. Earlier Advisor to FTO Office, Quetta, Mr. Justice (R) Muhammad Nadir Khan, Advisor to FTO Regional Office, Karachi, Manzoor Ahmed Kureshi and President, Lasbela Chamber, Ismail Suttar highly appreciated the office of FTO, which is a last resort for the aggrieved members of the business community to get relief. 

He said that it’s quite encouraging that majority of members of Lasbela Chamber have no issues pertaining to taxation because of the efficiency of commissionrate of Inland Revenue, Hub and the Collectorate of Customs at Gaddani. 

However he invited the attention of the FTO towards the problems of general nature like delay in issuing the Refund Cheques by FBR, the matters of expenses made from the fund of export development surcharge.

Dr. Muhammad Aslam, former President LCCI, appreciated the visit of FTO along with his colleagues to the Lasbela Chamber.

He also appreciated the business community that always plays the role of economic engine to ensure the continuation of economic activities and growth. 

The Collector of Customs, Gaddani, Syed Tanvir Ahmed, Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Hub, Abdur Rehman Khilji, former President LCCI, Dr Muhammad Aslam and Chairman LCCI Taxation Committee, Iqbal Ismail also spoke on the occasion.

Old farmer sings to express solidarity with Communist Party

By Masood Sattar Khan in Beijing
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Surrounded with sky-touching mountains, an aged farmer living in newly constructed homes for old people sang marshal songs with his melody voice saying Aiyalei. Here comes the sun shining as red ball and the sunlight turning the soil warmer.

The third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee brought hope for the revitalization and development of Gannan Soviet area with blowing spring breeze. People admired of President Xi work to carry forward Chinese dream. 

These were the sentiments of a 72-year old Lin Shangliu while singing folk songs to express his sentiments and joy for the ruling party led by Chairman Xi, while I met him. He lives at the newly constructed Glorious Nursing Home for Elders in Chayuan Township. 

Lin lived in Datang Group, Kongmu Village, Chayuan Township, where his family was enjoying welfare facilities offered by the government in five ways; food, clothing, medical care, housing and burial expenses. The previous 200 year-old former house lacked all amenities. He and his wife didn’t have any child but lived with 101 year-old mother. 

In 2008, the three persons moved to the nursing home depending on government funds. Now monthly, each of them can get 30 Yuan of living allowance and 55 Yuan of new rural social insurance. In addition, the old mother gets 300 Yuan of old age benefits and 130 Yuan of martyr’s children allowance every month. Lin also does odd jobs like picking up fresh tea leaves from fields to earn some money.

“Life here is much better than before. We don’t need to worry about livelihood, the living rooms are spacious and bright, the furniture and TV are also available, the food and dishes here are sumptuous. Even though when I am in bed, I remember the kindness of the CPC party and President Xi,” Lin roared. 

The Glorious Nursing Home for Elders was set up in August 1976, covers an area of 3,333 square meters with gross area of 1,542 square meters. Before 2012, there were only 37 old people living here because the space was not enough to meet the facilities such as dining room, washing room, activity and health care centre. 

In April 2012, an expansion project was launched with the objective of expanding living conditions of glorious home. It was first phase of the expansion project launched as part of implementation of poverty alleviation and development of Chayuan Township. 

The government spent 3.8 million yuan in total and earmarked another area of 2000 square meters to build 3 large size complexes, in which dormitories, kitchens, dining rooms, entertainment halls, fitness centers and other facilities are included. After expansion, the nursing home will have 70 housing rooms to accommodate further 95 elderly peoples. 

The project, which people all around the township highly praised, has greatly improved the living conditions for the elderly and now they do not have fear how to spend their life after retirement. Furthermore, it plays an exceptional role in the social life of these. 

Left behind children in Ming’en New Village 

“My dear, where are you contacting me on line?” 

“Mum, I’m at the remote video-chat-room now. How are you and father? ” 

“We are all fine! How are you all in home? How is your grandmother?” 

“Well, she is OK. She does all of the housework and I also learn to do a little.” 

“Great! You should help her and take care of younger brother. And how’s your study? Have you progressed?” 

These were the conversation between 14 year-old Deng Luping a Grade 6 student while chatting with her parents at the remote video-chat room set up for the those children who were working out of their villages for earning livelihood. 

Deng’s parents working in one of the Chinese industrial hub, the Guangdong Province. There were quite a few other small children, busy chatting on video camera at the remote video-chat-room in Ming’en New Village.

The local government officials collect all the information of parents and children having established information data. Through the communication platform, the parents can chat with their children once a week on Saturday or Sunday for unlimited time. Most of the parents ask children about their studies and life at hometown as they cultivate children a habit for positive view and also check their homework and examinations preparations, just like face to face.