FBR under fire as Senate questions missing goods case, FIA investigation names officers

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) faced strong criticism in the Senate after lawmakers questioned its handling of a case involving

Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) faced strong criticism in the Senate after lawmakers questioned its handling of a case involving the disappearance of goods worth millions of rupees. The committee raised concerns over an internal FBR report that blamed lower ranking employees while questions remained about the role of senior officials. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) informed lawmakers that it had identified several FBR officers during the investigation, but the matter was still under inquiry.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman, where members reviewed accountability matters, law enforcement issues and government department performance.

During the meeting, senators questioned whether the names of FBR officers allegedly linked to the case had been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL). The committee had earlier recommended placing the names of suspected officers on the ECL to prevent any possible escape during the investigation.

However, FBR officials were unable to confirm whether the names had been placed on the ECL. They informed the committee that the authority to place individuals on the ECL comes under the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). FIA officials told the committee that they would verify the status of the matter.

The committee expressed concern over the delay and questioned why action had not been taken despite the seriousness of the allegations.

FBR officials argued that officers’ names could not be placed on the ECL before completion of legal proceedings. They also stated that investigative agencies were required to obtain departmental permission before starting inquiries against FBR officers.

Senators questioned this position and said accountability institutions must be allowed to work independently without unnecessary barriers. Members pointed out that although the FIR was registered by FBR officials themselves, the department later failed to fully cooperate with the police investigation.

The most controversial part of the discussion was the FBR’s internal fact finding report. Committee members expressed serious reservations over the report, saying responsibility for the missing goods worth millions of rupees was placed on junior employees, including a watchman, peon and driver.

Senators questioned how such a large quantity of goods could disappear without any signs of forced entry, such as broken doors, walls or windows. Members criticized the report and said it appeared that lower level employees were being blamed while questions about senior officials remained unanswered.

The committee chairman informed members that the FIA investigation had identified officials allegedly connected with the case. According to the briefing, a deputy collector, two officials and two inspectors were named in connection with the matter.

Despite these developments, senators questioned why the suspected officials had not yet been placed on the ECL. FIA officials informed the committee that the investigation was still ongoing and had been transferred to the Islamabad Zone for further inquiry.

The committee stressed that the investigation must identify the real responsible persons and that accountability should not be limited to junior staff. Members demanded a transparent process to ensure that no official escapes responsibility because of their position.

The Senate committee also reviewed FBR’s role in the allocation of non custom paid vehicles used by government departments.

FBR officials informed the committee that such vehicles are allocated to government departments for official purposes under court orders. They said the vehicles are assigned to offices or posts rather than individual officers.

Officials further informed lawmakers that responsibility for future allocation of such vehicles would now be transferred from FBR to the Cabinet Division. Existing vehicles already allocated to government departments would continue according to Supreme Court orders and approved government lists.

The committee directed FBR to provide a complete list of all non-custom-paid vehicles allocated to government departments.

During the meeting, senators emphasized the importance of strong accountability systems and said government institutions must ensure transparency when dealing with cases involving public resources.

The committee directed relevant authorities to continue the investigation according to law and ensure that facts are presented clearly to the public.