FBR to ignore Senate order, buy 1,010 cars for officers

FBR chairman announced plans to purchase vehicles for young officers, citing the operational need for the vehicles.

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Despite the Senate panel's order to halt and cancel the contract for purchasing 1,010 new cars for tax officers, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Langrial has announced plans to purchase vehicles for young officers, citing the operational need for the vehicles, Express News reported.

Speaking to the media in Karachi on Sunday, Langrial explained that the concerns raised by the Senate committee had been addressed satisfactorily, and the FBR would meet its tax collection targets. He added that the work of forecasting and predicting tax figures had not yet been undertaken.

On the issue of cement prices, Langrial suggested that the competition commission should take action. Regarding Karachi’s tax collection, Langrial pointed out that the city hosts the headquarters of major companies and multinational corporations, which contributes to the high volume of tax collected.

The FBR chairman also informed the media that a vehicle tracking system would be installed in trucks and vehicles within two to three months.

Earlier, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance had instructed FBR to halt the purchase of 1,000 vehicles worth Rs6 billion for its officers.

Committee member Faisal Vawda had raised concerns about the Rs386 billion tax shortfall, urging the FBR to address this issue before proceeding with the vehicle purchase. He also stated that if the vehicles were purchased, he would take the matter to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The FBR had defended its decision, arguing that providing vehicles to grade 17 and 18 officers would help improve revenue collection through better enforcement. "Can computers conduct raids, seal factories, or check unregistered businesses?" the FBR questioned in a written statement submitted to the standing committee.

The committee decided to halt the purchase, with Senator Saleem Mandviwala questioning whether field officers previously used bicycles. The FBR assured the committee that the vehicles would be provided only to field units and that no officer stationed at the headquarters would receive one.