HAD some Elon Musk of Pakistani-origin visited the headquarters of the appellate tribunal of Inland Revenue, Islamabad, and seen the working environment, he would have suggested immediate closure of this forum, which is the last resort of a fact-finding authority under the domain of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Chaos, incompetence and indifference are the norm in this department. More than 60 cases are listed in the cause lists of two benches on a daily basis for which 100 plus senior advocates visit daily to plead cases of their clients.

The hearing call notices bear the court timings as 8.30am to 3.00pm, but hardly any bench starts working at least before 11.30am.

Advocates and departmental represe-ntatives aimlessly roam around poorly illuminated corridors annexed to court rooms, and waste their precious time.

The aggrieved taxpayers, or their representatives, who come from far-flung areas, like Sargodha, Sialkot, Jhelum and other adjoining cities and towns, have to bear extra costs if cases are adjourned.

The high-ups of FBR and the relevant ministry must conduct a performance audit, and initiate adequate remedial measures to set the house in order.

Zafar Iqbal
Lahore

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2025