The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has refused to provide necessary data to a Senate sub-committee on Monday, causing the panel to request comprehensive records spanning two decades regarding tobacco tax collection and outstanding dues. The meeting was chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, with participation from Mohammad Talha Mahmood, Dilawar Khan, and Hidayat Ullah Khan.
Chief of Sales Tax Javed Iqbal Tarar left the session after failing to provide earlier requested data, which hindered proceedings. The panel expressed concern over the lack of information on tax collection from tobacco manufacturers. They noted that customs had previously reported tobacco-related taxes at Rs75 billion, but subsequent discussions indicated that about Rs40 billion remained unpaid.
The committee directed FBR to submit documentary evidence regarding pending taxes, a complete list of tobacco companies and their brands, details of imported raw materials, and revenue and tax collection data for the past two decades. It also requested records of all registered tobacco factories over the last 20 years. Officials informed the panel that Pakistan Tobacco Company and Philip Morris Pakistan were among major tax-paying entities in the sector.
Rangers have been deployed to assist FBR in curbing tax evasion. The Press Information Department (PID) briefed the committee on media awareness campaigns conducted for various ministries, with costs being borne by the sponsoring ministry. Campaigns focused on illegal cigarette sales were carried out on behalf of FBR. The convener directed PID to provide complete details of all media contracts, campaign expenditures, and agreements with TV channels.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was additionally instructed to investigate corruption cases involving Badshah Wazir, particularly concerning alleged imported raw materials for tobacco production.
Source: Original report
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