‘Get out from Committee’: Senate body expels FBR operations chief over incorrect tax data

ISLAMABAD – A subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chief Operations Officer to leave its meeting after accusing the official of providing incorrect information on tax evasion. The meeting, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, reviewed issues related to tobacco taxation, tax evasion, and cigarette smuggling across the country. During the session, the committee sought details from the Ministry of Information regarding television advertisements related to tobacco. It also requested a complete list of cigarette manufacturers and brands operating in Pakistan, along with the taxes paid by each company. Senator Abro expressed anger over what he described as misleading information presented by the FBR and told him “Get out from committee,” local media reported. He also called for the official’s removal from the post, alleging that certain officers were damaging the country’s tax administration. The committee also reviewed a cigarette theft case involving goods worth Rs250 million. Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) informed the committee that the inquiry had been completed and a criminal case would be registered in Peshawar. According to the FIA, a Deputy Collector of Customs and two customs inspectors were found responsible during the investigation. Senator Abro directed the FIA to register the case immediately and provide a copy of the FIR to the committee. He also instructed authorities to initiate efforts through Interpol to bring back the absconding customs official. The committee further directed the FIA to revisit cases involving Badshah Khan Wazir and brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the matter. Senator Abro criticized the FBR for failing to provide details regarding factories operating in tax-exempt areas and said the committee had repeatedly requested the information without success. He maintained that the committee had taken action against the FBR official because t