Senate committee expels FBR operations chief over false tax briefing

A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control witnessed tense exchanges on Monday after its convener, Senator Saifullah Abro, ordered the removal of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) chief operations officer from a meeting over misleading information regarding tax evasion, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, focused on issues related to tax collection and alleged tax evasion in the tobacco sector.

During the proceedings, the committee convener Senator Abro expressed strong dissatisfaction with the information presented by the FBR officer and directed that he leave the session.

Senator Abro said that some officials were damaging state institutions by providing inaccurate information.

He criticised the appointment of officers who failed to present facts correctly and instructed that a letter be sent to the relevant minister recommending the immediate removal of the FBR chief operations officer from his position.

He further claimed that a small number of officers were responsible for serious administrative failures, stating that three to four officials had caused significant harm to the country's governance and revenue system.

The committee also sought details from the Ministry of Information regarding advertisements related to the tobacco industry that had been aired on television channels.

During the discussion, Senator Abro questioned claims that only two tobacco companies were paying taxes and argued that stronger action against tax evasion was needed. He suggested that the tobacco industry would struggle to survive if its operations were halted for an extended period.

Senator Dilawar also voiced concerns about tax collection from tobacco companies. He noted that Rangers had already been deployed at certain facilities but questioned why tax recovery issues persisted. He added that tobacco prices had fallen sharply, saying the commodity was once selling for Rs1,800 per kilogram but was now attracting little interest even at Rs200 per kilogram.

Senator Dilawar also voiced concerns about tax collection from tobacco companies. He noted that Rangers had already been deployed at certain facilities but questioned why tax recovery issues persisted.

He added that tobacco prices had fallen sharply, saying the commodity was once selling for Rs1,800 per kilogram but was now attracting little interest even at Rs200 per kilogram.

Responding to the concerns, Senator Abro said tax evasion should not occur in places where enforcement agencies are present. He also urged the Ministry of Information to strengthen oversight and adopt modern digital systems for data management and monitoring.

The committee convener directed officials to provide complete information regarding alleged tax losses in the tobacco sector and submit detailed records of awareness campaigns conducted by both the tobacco industry and the FBR.

In his remarks, Senator Abro also raised broader concerns about governance and financial management.

He appealed to Field Marshal Asif Munir to remove five officials who were creating serious administrative problems, warning that they could undermine government efforts if allowed to remain in office.

Senator Abro further remarked that any financial gains secured by the field marshal from abroad could be wasted due to poor governance.

Senator Talha Mahmood sought clarification about the identity of the officials being referred to. In response, Senator Abro stated that the five officers had been brought from Punjab.

Reporter: Awais Kiani