State Finance Minister says tax evaders will be brought to justice

State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani has assured the business community and traders that arrest will be made in above 50 million fraud, adding that Federal Bureau of Revenue’s Assistant Commissioners will ne be able to arrest any one at inquiry level, reported 24NewsHDTV Channel. 

Minister of State for Finance was addressing traders at FPCCI in Islamabad on Friday. He said approval will have to be obtained from the FBR Members Board to arrest those involved in tax fraud. The Assistant Commissioner will be required to obtain the Commissioner's approval for the investigation after the inquiry. 

Bilal Kayani said during the investigation, a three-member committee of FBR members can approve the arrest. He made it clear that tax evaders will be brought to justice. 

Minister of State for Finance said government has taken steps to prevent misuse of powers by FBR officers. 

He claimed that federal government has achieved economic stability. He said last year, the inflation rate was 20 to 25 percent. 

Now the inflation rate remained at four and a half percent. Bilal Kayani said relief measures were taken despite being in the IMF program. He said despite Indian efforts, the IMF board approved the loan program. Bilal Kayani said tariff reforms have been introduced in the budget. 

On the occasion, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said business community expressed concern over stringent measures taken in Finance Act. He said business community wants to meet the Prime Minister to resolve these issues to expresses serious concerns over stringent measures taken in Finance Act 2025-26. 

Atif Sheikh said business community has serious reservations over arrests in Sales Tax Act as Section 37A empowers arrest, investigation and inquiry. He demanded that arrests should be made after following due process.