FBR chairman suggests tax on Iranian commercial vehicles

The Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recommended imposing a tax on Iranian vehicles, suggesting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engage with the Iranian Ambassador to resolve the issue.

During a meeting of the Senate's Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Saleem Mandviwala, the committee reviewed the matter of the Iranian authorities collecting a 10% tax on Pakistani commercial vehicles, Express News reported.

Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar raised concerns that Iran imposes a 10% levy on Pakistani commercial vehicles at the border, and additionally charges $1 per kilometre for every kilometre travelled within Iran.

The FBR Chairman pointed out that Iranian commercial vehicles entering Pakistan are not taxed, and stated that Iran should either stop charging the levy on Pakistani traders, or Pakistan should also impose a similar tax on Iranian vehicles.

He emphasised the key role of the Ministry of Commerce in this matter.

During the same committee meeting, members also revealed that counterfeit banknotes were still being dispensed from ATM machines. Officials from the State Bank of Pakistan responded, stating that there are 3,334 bank branches in smaller provinces, and efforts are being made to ensure consumer protection.

FBR gets Rs32.5 billion bonanza to fight inefficiency

The government approved on Tuesday a Rs32.5 billion package to improve efficiency of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) by giving it nearly 1,100 new cars, up to four additional monthly salaries and setting up ex-military men-led Customs posts around the Indus River and in Balochistan.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved the Rs32.5 billion package for six months. Subject to the achievement of targeted results, the package will continue in the next fiscal year and the amount will be more than doubled.

Out of the Rs32.5 billion, an amount of Rs5.6 billion was approved for buying 1,087 new cars of 1,300cc engine capacity. About Rs19.7 billion will be spent on anti-smuggling initiatives, of which Rs14.4 billion will be repurposed from the budget.

For giving up to four extra salaries, the ECC accorded approval for Rs2.5 billion while another Rs3.4 billion would be given for enhancing the FBR's operational capacity. It seems that the additional salaries will be given to all FBR employees and one car will be offered to every grade-17 and 18 officer to encourage them to achieve this year's ambitious tax target of Rs12.97 trillion.