President Zardari Rejects FBR’s Bid To Withhold Taxpayer Records

President Asif Ali Zardari has rejected a representation filed by the Federal Board of Revenue against an order of the Federal Tax Ombudsman, upholding the taxpayer's right to obtain records related to tax assessment proceedings.

Key points

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• The FTO directed the tax authorities to provide the documents within 15 days.
• Waheed Shahzad Butt, who represented the taxpayer, welcomed the decision and remarked it reinforced transparency and accountability in tax proceedings.
• The FBR challenged the decision through a representation before the President.

Notably, the case involved a non resident taxpayer who had complained against the Tax Office, Islamabad, for withholding copies of notices, order sheets and other assessment documents related to Tax Year 2020.

In an order issued on February 19, 2026, the Federal Tax Ombudsman ruled that the taxpayer had a right under the law and Article 19 A of the Constitution to obtain copies of the relevant records. The FTO directed the tax authorities to provide the documents within 15 days. FBR Seals Illegal Cigarette Factory in Karachi.

For context, the FBR challenged the decision through a representation before the President. Nevertheless, the President rejected the representation, finding no defect in the FTO's decision and maintaining the original order.

In practice, the decision means the FTO's direction requiring the FBR to provide the taxpayer with the requested tax records remains in place.

Waheed Shahzad Butt, who represented the taxpayer, welcomed the decision and remarked it reinforced transparency and accountability in tax proceedings. He remarked taxpayers should have access to records concerning their own cases so they can effectively defend themselves.

Butt additionally stated the decision should encourage FBR field formations to comply with similar FTO directions without further delays, arguing that withholding basic tax records undermines confidence in the tax administration.

With the representation dismissed, the taxpayer's requested records are required to be furnished in accordance with the FTO's order. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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Taken together, the developments around president Zardari Rejects FBR's Bid To Withhold Taxpayer Records point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.