The Committee points out irregularities between 2017 and 2022; FIRs were filed and a new investigation body was formed
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on FBR. Photo: GOP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered expedited legal action against all those involved in overbilling, calling it an “egregious practice” that went unchecked for years due to institutional negligence.
Chairing a weekly meeting reviewing the affairs of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the prime minister was briefed on a report by the committee probing over-invoicing.
“From 2017 to 2022, this despicable practice continued while the relevant institutions remained systematically negligent in their duties,” the prime minister said, ordering authorities to expedite legal proceedings against those responsible.
Read: FBR misses fiscal target by Rs 610 billion
He appreciated the findings of the committee headed by Ahmed Sukhera and ordered formation of another body under Shahid Khan to identify officials and institutions guilty of negligence and initiate departmental action. The new committee has been tasked with submitting its report as soon as possible.
“Tax money is a trust of the nation; safeguarding it is our duty and we are responsible for every penny,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
The prime minister also directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy to prevent such practices in the future and ordered the Financial Monitoring Unit to become fully operational, with representation from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
The meeting was informed that the FBR has developed a Centralized Price Verification Portal, which is expected to be integrated with banks by the end of June.
Read more: FBR orders fast track tax refunds
The FBR’s post-clearance audit wing first identified the practice of over-invoicing in October 2022. So far, 13 FIRs have been registered against those involved and legal proceedings are underway.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, FBR Chairman and senior officials.
