September 2, 2003	Tuesday	Rajab 4, 1424

ISLAMABAD, Sept 1: Federal Tax Ombudsman Justice Saleem Akhtar has asked the member customs to direct all collectors of customs to ensure processing of refunds claims of taxpayers within due time.

The Ombudsman recommended to the tax officials that the processing of refund claim be taken up within seven days of the filing of claim and each claim be settled within three months from the date of the claim.

The FTO asked the CBR that a copy of written directions to the collectors should be submitted to his secretariat within 15 days of this order.

The decision was taken on the complaint of Farooq General Merchants, Karachi, which complained against the customs officials of collector of customs (Appraisement), Karachi, for causing delay in issuance of refunds to the complainant.

The Ombudsman asked the CBR to direct the deputy collector of customs to confirm issuance of refunds as promised by him within 10 days of this order.