Absence of key officials irks NA panel

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs expressed displeasure over the absence of finance secretary, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) president and a representative of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in its meeting on Tuesday.

The committee meeting, chaired by MNA Faizullah Kamoka, directed the committee secretary to issue a displeasure note to all the officials concerned.

The committee reiterated that the Legislative Business (Government Bills) would not be considered in the absence of the finance adviser, according to a press statement.

Committee members were of the view that the minister in-charge should be invited to the meeting.

On the occasion, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman briefed the committee about a scam that occurred at the Torkham border.

He said a joint investigation team (JIT) had submitted its report on May 18, 2020. According to the JIT findings, around 113 vehicles were identified to have crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan wherein neither goods declaration nor record of deposit of duties/taxes was found. Accordingly, criminal cases/ FIRs were lodged against the culprits.

After detailed discussion, the committee noted that delay in finalising the report in this respect would create obstacles to the execution of justice and also identified the administrative loopholes and procedures adopted by the Customs authorities at Torkham.

The chairman assured the committee that report on the matter would be finalised in a month and directed the FBR to share details of officers involved in the scam including the action taken by the FBR against them.

Meanwhile, FBR Member Inland Revenue Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed briefed participants of the meeting about a fire incident that occurred in the Faisalabad Regional Tax Office (RTO).

The committee gave directives that legal action should be accelerated against the culprits while the committee chairman appreciated the role of chief commissioner of RTO Islamabad.

The committee also expressed displeasure over the valuation, rulings and procedures adopted by the Customs authorities. Some members of the committee expressed grave concern about the role of director valuation.

Customs Director Valuation Shafiq Ahmed Latki explained his position regarding determination of the valuation. However, the committee directed the FBR chairman to look into the complaints received about valuations and the ruling issued.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2020.

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