Report: Parliamentary Reporter ANI:
ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to submit complete records regarding the alleged misuse of the FATA/PATA tax exemption scheme, recovery of evaded taxes and identification of those involved. The next meeting will be held in-camera on November 16, 2026.
The Committee was informed that imports from 2018 to June 2026 totalled Rs1,120.662 billion, while consumption certificates covered Rs389.865 billion, leaving an apparent unreconciled difference of Rs730.797 billion.
The FIA informed the Committee that 512 notices had been issued to companies in connection with the investigation. Of these, 19 companies joined proceedings with partial records, while more than 100 notices were returned or remained undelivered.
Senator Saifullah Abro expressed concern over the lack of coordination between the FBR and FIA and questioned the FBR’s reluctance to share relevant records with Parliament. He directed the FBR to provide complete details of consumption certificates, payments and supporting documents, particularly 20 certificates involving approximately Rs64 billion.
The Committee also directed authorities to provide import records from January 2018 onwards to investigate the alleged movement of tax-exempt tobacco-related material outside FATA/PATA areas. The FBR was asked to submit complete records of consumption certificates issued from November 2025 onwards, along with payment and verification details.
Separately, the FIA briefed the Committee on the Silver Swapping and Heist Case, informing it that approximately 400 kilograms of silver had allegedly been replaced with lead bars, of which 214 kilograms had been recovered. The estimated financial loss in the case was reported at Rs4 million.
The Director General Safe City briefed the Committee on how surveillance footage helped detect the operation involving identical vehicles and specially prepared replica boxes. The Chairman appreciated the FIA’s efforts and recovery, urging authorities to recover the remaining silver and bring all those involved to justice.
