Express Tribune apologises to Shabbar Zaidi over misreporting

The publication holds former FBR chairman in high esteem for his role in introducing reforms during his tenure

The Express Tribune’s story, “FBR unearthed Rs16 billion illegal refunds, PAC informed”, published on February 11, is factually incorrect. Therefore, the story has been retracted and The Express Tribune apologises to Mr Shabbar Zaidi.

We would like to clarify that the reporter had made a grave blunder, which cannot be tolerated. The Express Tribune has zero tolerance for such irresponsible behaviour of its team members. The management has taken serious action against the reporter who has been suspended for filing a factually incorrect story. The baseless story caused damage to the reputation of the former Chairman FBR, Syed Shabbar Zaidi.

The Express Tribune holds the former chairman FBR in high esteem and acknowledges his contributions for the country. In his capacity as chairman FBR, Mr Zaidi played an important part in bringing reforms in the top tax collection body, which we highly appreciate.

We assure Mr Shabbar Zaidi and our readers that the matter will be fully investigated and taken to the logical end so that no such irresponsible story is filed in the future that may damage the reputation of the people.

We once again apologise to Mr Shabbar Zaidi for the mental agony caused to him because of irresponsible act of one reporter.