FBR’s Plan to Purchase 1,010 Vehicles Halted by Senate Standing Committee on Finance

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to halt its plan to purchase 1,010 vehicles worth Rs 6 billion. The committee has decided to send a letter to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to address this matter.

Sources indicate that following the committee’s decision, the FBR’s planned vehicle purchase is likely to be canceled. The Prime Minister and the Finance Ministry are reportedly reviewing the issue after receiving the committee’s letter. The car company involved in the purchase has also been informed of the decision.

This move comes at a time when the government, which claims to prioritize austerity, is grappling with a tax collection shortfall of Rs 6 trillion.

In response, an FBR spokesperson stated that the board will comply with any government directives but emphasized that the purchase was necessary due to a shortage of vehicles for its field staff. The purchase was made in accordance with the established rules and regulations.

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Saeed Akram, the FBR spokesperson, clarified that no official written instructions to halt the purchase had been received yet. He further explained that the vehicles are intended for the field operational staff, who are currently facing transportation shortages.

The FBR, which employs over 30,000 individuals, has a significant number of field officers, and the vehicle purchase was considered essential to meet operational needs. The FBR had also requested the car company to deliver the vehicles within five months.