LHC bars FIA from probing FBR officials

Court has directed investigating agency to submit written reply on August 13

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court (LHC) has barred Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from probing Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials in tax refund case. Besides, the court has also directed the investigating agency to submit a written reply on August 13.

FBR officials are facing the charge of taking bribe in tax refund case. The FBR made four of its officers as OSD on May 30, 2024 after the matter of in-fighting between the officers over share in tax refund reached the chairman FBR. The tax collection body also started internal inquiry of the matter but no developments came on surface.

Meanwhile, FIA summoned FBR member operations in an inquiry over the allegations of FBR officials' involvement in corruption, bribe, kickbacks and illegal tax refund to big tax paying companies.

In the wake of FIA inquiry, the FBR submitted a petition against the investigating agency in the Lahore High Court. The LHC barred the FIA from holding inquiry against the FBR officers and directed the FIA to submit its written reply on August 13.