The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), Justice Munir A Sheikh, has regretted that the FTO Secretariat has not been delegated financial powers under Article 81 of the Constitution of Pakistan, as the Wafaqi Mohtasib and some other offices, enumerated under the Article, enjoy.
The FTO in his 'Sixth Annual Report 2005' has claimed that this anomaly is hindering efficient, effective and independent functioning of the FTO Secretariat.
He said, in the report, that summary of the proposal was presented in 2002 to the Chief Executive of Pakistan on the basis of many other institutions and offices enumerated under the Article 81 of the Constitution of Pakistan which are enjoying financial powers. He expressed surprise that Finance Division did not support the proposal, though a similar proposal from Wafaqi Mohtasib was accepted in 2003.
The FTO has again urged the Chief Executive of Pakistan that financial powers be delegated to FTO Secretariat so that it could exercise its authority and functions independently and effectively. He emphasised that many cases of financial and administrative management, sent to Finance Division, await concurrence and approval, which slows down the proceedings of the cases.