Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened under the leadership of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman to scrutinize national tax leakages, customs border security, and consular facilitation for overseas Pakistanis. The meeting held at Old PIPS Hall in Parliament Lodges included Senators Talha Mahmood, Saifullah Abro, Shahadat Awan, Mir Dostan Khan Domki, Umer Farooq, Jam Saifullah Khan, Palwasha Khan, and Dilawar Khan.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee reviewed a report by Sub-Committee Convener Senator Saifullah Abro, highlighting an annual revenue loss of approximately $1 billion due to tax evasion, illicit manufacturing, and trade malpractices within the tobacco sector. Issues were identified in tax-exempt areas such as FATA, PATA, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Investigation Agency’s inquiry, emphasizing the need for accountability among higher-ranking officials and directed the FIA to update the committee on the investigation’s progress.

The committee also examined the legal grounds permitting the FIA to conduct independent tax inquiries in matters typically under the Federal Board of Revenue’s domain. It urged both institutions to establish a coordinated operational mechanism. Additionally, notifications granting anti-smuggling authority to the Frontier Corps and Pakistan Rangers in border zones were reviewed due to complex local law enforcement situations. The committee decided to further investigate the tax evasion issue and set up a sub-committee for additional examination.

Further discussions involved the Ministry of Interior’s briefing on Passport Rules 2021, especially concerning Emergency Travel Documents for stranded or deported citizens. Chairman Rehman questioned delays in national status verifications and highlighted complaints about the issuance of short-term passports for the Pakistani diaspora. He mentioned a legislative bill to reform passport rules and simplify processes.

In conclusion, Chairman Rehman directed the FBR and FIA to submit detailed reports within a month, present verified stock registers for seized goods, and focus enforcement actions on primary beneficiaries rather than lower-level personnel. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, FBR, and FIA.