FBR’s extravaganza: tax body all set to buy 1,010 new vehicles for Rs6 billion

ISLAMABAD: On the one hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government claims to implement austerity measures to steer the country out of the economic meltdown, on the other hand, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) — whose prime responsibility is to collect taxes to boost dwindling revenues — is all set to spend a whooping Rs6 billion to purchase new vehicles for what it claims to “boost operational capacity” of the tax body.

In a letter written to Honda Atlas in response to their quotation, the FBR expressed the intent to procure 1,010 new Honda City 1.2L CVT with the add-ons and especial features.

The bureau also informed the company that they will buy the new vehicles in two phases, with making an upfront payment of Rs3 billion for the first batch of 500 vehicles in the first phase. The rest of the payment will be made once the first batch is delivered.

The full delivery of the 1,010 vehicles is expected to take place between January and May 2025. The FBR wants 75 vehicles to be delivered in January, 200 in February, and 225 in March.

In the second phase, it required the vendor to deliver 250 vehicles in April, followed by the remaining 260 in May.

According to an FBR spokesperson, this purchase is part of their plan to boost operational efficiency. “The new vehicles are meant for field officers and will help them carry out their work more effectively,” he explained.

The new vehicles will come with some great features, like a navigation system, a reverse camera, and high-quality interiors. They’ll also include free periodic maintenance for up to 20,000 km or 12 months.

The purchase price will also cover a four-year extended warranty, which provides coverage for up to 100,000 km or four years, provided regular maintenance is done at authorized dealerships.

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Additionally, the bureau has requested Honda Atlas to display FBR’s logos on both the front doors and the windscreen of vehicles for official identification. The price will include all freight and delivery costs. The vehicles will also be fitted with a tracking system, and the FBR will cover the Rs8,500 service charge for the first year.