Fake ID cards used for hundreds of power connections

RTO writes letter to FESCO to look into the matter in detail

FAISALABAD: Around 604 fake identity cards have been used to get electricity connections in Faisalabad, revealed a report issued by the Regional Tax Office (RTO).

According to the report, around 47,870 commercial connections were acquired using 500 fake ID cards and 2,290 industrial connections were installed on 105 fake ID cards.

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials said their teams learnt of these illegal connections during their investigation. They added that people are using such tactics for tax evasion and to hide their businesses from collectors.

To investigate the matter, FBR officials sought data from the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and also counterchecked with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Sources said the data provided by the electricity connection owners did not match up with the information given by NADRA’s official link. They added that the regional tax office revealed steps had been taken to deal with tax evaders and collect the levies.

Teams were looking into the matter from various angles to unearth tax evasion.

As per sources, fake ID card numbers are being used to install connections. Moreover, these tax evaders have rented places at high costs, but are not willing to pay the related levies.

Regional Tax Office Spokesperson Chaudhry Amjad told The Express Tribune that the RTO office has written a letter and FESCO officials have been advised to probe the matter in detail. Amjad added that RTO officers have also been directed to hold a high-level inquiry to deal with the issue.

A number of FESCO employees will be involved in the investigation, he said.

“We are trying our best to correct the ID card numbers and identify the real owners. After the process is completed, we will be successful in recovering a huge amount for the government,” he claims.

An official from FESCO said the company does not have access to NADRA’s data. “Our responsibility is to provide the facility of electricity to the consumers,” he said. “Consumers get electricity connections and pay their bills to FESCO,” he added.

FESCO Chief Executive Officer Shafiqul Hassan confirmed that his organisation had received a letter from the RTO office and teams were looking into their records. They will also seek help from NADRA, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2019.