Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken a fresh step toward strengthening economic ties by agreeing to enhance cooperation on tax dispute resolution, taxpayer facilitation, and institutional coordination. Officials from both sides say the move is aimed at creating a fairer, more transparent tax environment that can support growing trade and investment between the two countries.
The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad, where a delegation from Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue met senior officials of Pakistan’s Federal Tax Ombudsman at the FTO Secretariat. The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Md. Lutful Azeem and included senior officials dealing with tax administration, policy, international agreements, and income tax enforcement.
Federal Tax Ombudsman Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and underscored the importance of sustained and meaningful cooperation between the two countries. He shared the vision and future priorities of the FTO institution, highlighting its role in ensuring accountability, improving institutional efficiency, and providing timely relief to taxpayers facing grievances.
Hijazi noted that effective tax systems play a crucial role in building investor confidence and facilitating cross-border trade. He expressed optimism that closer engagement between the two institutions would not only improve taxpayer services but also strengthen broader bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Advisor (Customs) Dr. Arslan Subuctageen delivered a detailed presentation on the functional framework of the Federal Tax Ombudsman. He explained the FTO’s mandate, objectives, and procedures, while also sharing performance indicators that reflect the institution’s focus on transparency, efficiency, and taxpayer facilitation. The presentation gave the Bangladeshi delegation an in-depth look at how Pakistan handles tax-related complaints and dispute resolution.
Both sides also discussed practical avenues for future collaboration. These include sharing best practices, improving institutional coordination, and developing more effective mechanisms for resolving tax disputes. Officials said such cooperation would help reduce friction for businesses and individuals, making it easier to operate across borders.
By working together on tax administration and dispute resolution, Pakistan and Bangladesh aim to promote a more predictable and business-friendly environment. Observers say the initiative could play a supportive role in boosting bilateral trade and attracting investment, while also improving the overall experience of taxpayers in both countries.
