FBR members summoned for failing to act against gangs selling non-custom goods

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has called in two key members from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)—the Member Operations-IR and the Member Customs Operations—over allegations related to fraud involving FBR’s field offices.

According to the Business Recorder, the complaint claims these offices failed to take appropriate legal action against gangs selling goods without paying custom duties.

The FTO has summoned both members to its Lahore office today, Monday, for a hearing related to Complaint No. 1763/2024, filed by Waheed Shahzad Butt against the Secretary Revenue Division in Islamabad.

The FBR Customs officers have submitted a review petition concerning this matter.

In a significant ruling, FTO Dr Asif Jah previously instructed the FBR to begin disciplinary proceedings against officers who neglected to provide comments on the case.

This case involves gangs selling products without customs payments, allegedly in collusion with tax employees, which has resulted in a substantial loss of revenue.

Read next: ADB appoints new Country Director for Pakistan