Tobacco sector consumption certificates: Senate panel pulls up FBR over Rs1,120bn data
A Pakistani Senate sub-committee has demanded that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) provide data regarding Rs1,120 billion in tax-exempted raw materials. The inquiry also covers investigations into tobacco sector tax evasion and the theft of cigarette cartons from government warehouses.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights significant concerns regarding tax transparency, smuggling, and the integrity of government oversight in the tobacco industry.
ISLAMABAD: Following failure of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to submit Rs1120 billion consumption certificates of tax exempted areas and tax data of the tobacco sector despite repeated commitments, the Sub-Committee of Senate Committee on Interior and Narcotics again directed FBR to provide the requisite data as committed earlier.
The sub-committee meeting was held in the chair Senator Saifullah Abro here at Parliament House on Friday to address press freedom concerns, examine smuggling networks, and assess multi-billion rupee tax evasion and duty exemption irregularities within the tobacco sector.
During proceedings, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) briefed members on cigarette theft cases in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Concurrently, details were presented regarding investigations into senior officers and a tax charge-sheet issued against Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue (IR) Fahim Rashid in connection with Paramount Tobacco Company.
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