Utility MD accused of hiding Rs620m assets

FBR seeks explanation for not reporting assets held in Houston

ISLAMABAD:

The managing director of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is facing allegations of concealing assets and tampering with Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of company officials.

Documents revealed that MD Imran Maniar had received notices from the FBR and FIA. The FBR, in its notice under Section 122(9) of the existing rules, sought explanation from Maniar for the concealment of assets (12 properties in total) worth Rs620 million in Houston in his wealth tax return for 2021-22.

The notice stated that through the concealment of assets, Maniar had tried to deprive the government of tax amount in the form of capital value tax (CVT) worth Rs6.2 million calculated at the rate of 1%.

When asked for comment, an SSGC spokesperson responded that Maniar would reply to the tax authorities concerned through his tax consultant.

Regarding FIA investigation, the spokesperson said that the MD would reply through his legal attorney.

The FIA began investigation following a complaint from senior officers, who accused Maniar and others of tampering with their ACRs and forging signatures while their supervisors were not even consulted as per rules and regulations. It was alleged that Maniar signed ACRs even for the period he had not been at SSGC.

Meanwhile, the FIA Corporate Crime Circle Karachi, in a notice addressed to the SSGC MD, said that response from his side was still awaited. FIA investigation officer said that he was engaged in an inquiry pertaining to alleged forgery/ tampering with ACRs/ performance appraisal forms of SSGC general manager for the period from 2018 to date.

The FIA sought the names of officers who initiated, countersigned, approved and recommended the performance appraisal forms of the general manager. It also asked for appointing a focal person to assist the agency in the interest of justice.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2023.

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