Islamabad: A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control was held under the convenership of Senator Saifullah Abro. The session, attended by several senators and senior officials, focused on the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) handling of tax evasion and the management of confiscated goods.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee reviewed the issuance of consumption certificates to factories in tax-exempt areas and the taxes paid by tobacco companies. FBR officials stated that while sector-wise information can be shared, individual taxpayer records are protected under Section 216 of the Income Tax Ordinance. The FBR presented a report detailing industry-specific consumption certificates and revenue data, highlighting significant cases in sectors such as ghee, steel, and textiles.

Senator Dilawar Khan raised concerns about the credibility of consumption certificates and alleged that confiscated goods worth Rs 300 million were transferred illegally. Senator Abro directed the department to determine responsibility for the alleged embezzlement, warning that failure to do so could result in a referral to the FIA. He emphasized the committee’s role in supporting the FBR’s efforts to curb tax evasion and secure national revenue.

The committee questioned the FBR’s reluctance to disclose information and sought a lawful mechanism for sharing consolidated data with Parliament. It also directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to provide a legal opinion on information disclosure. FBR officials informed the committee of ongoing legal challenges and assured that comprehensive data on tobacco production would be presented in future meetings.

Concluding the meeting, the committee underscored its commitment to transparency and accountability, warning that failure to provide required information would lead to parliamentary intervention. The committee called for the identification and prosecution of officials responsible for the disappearance of confiscated goods, reaffirming its dedication to protecting the national exchequer.