Islamabad: A meeting of the Parliamentary Minority Caucus, convened by Senator Danesh Kumar, expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of senior officials and directed a review of tax deductions from Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) funds. The Caucus, which aimed to address issues related to minority scholarships, tax policies, and minority quotas in the Islamabad Police, deferred discussions on some topics due to the absence of key officials.

According to Senate of Pakistan: The Caucus voiced concerns over the non-attendance of officials such as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Senator Kumar instructed that a formal expression of displeasure be conveyed to the IGP and that letters highlighting his repeated absence be sent to top government officials, including the Prime Minister.

The meeting was briefed by the Chairman of the ETPB on tax deductions from funds meant for minority welfare and religious site preservation. FBR representatives explained that ETPB is considered a taxable entity under current tax laws, a position challenged in court, with proceedings ongoing. The Caucus raised questions about the timing of the deductions, given ETPB’s previous tax-exempt status.

The FBR maintained that tax refunds would be issued if the court ruled in favor of ETPB, but members criticized the continuation of deductions despite a High Court suspension order. The Caucus directed the FBR to review the deductions and proposed an in-camera meeting if the issue persists, stressing the importance of resolving the matter through mutual consultation and returning the deducted funds until the court’s final decision.