 Chairman Rashid Langrial acknowledged that corruption is still prevalent in the FBR during a briefing.){kind=link}
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Langrial acknowledged that corruption is still prevalent in the FBR during a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance. “Corrupt practices are still going on in FBR,” Langrial admitted while detailing new tax reforms aimed at expanding the tax base and combating black money. He highlighted that non-filers would face restrictions on buying property, vehicles or making formal investments. “These measures are designed to formalize economic transactions and reduce the influence of the black economy,” he emphasised.
Key reforms include granting FBR officers additional powers to tackle tax evasion and allowing the cabinet to recruit auditors to improve tax collection. However, Langrial admitted that tax revenues remain stagnant, with current revenue levels comparable to those of 2008. “The revenue is not keeping pace with inflation or economic growth,” he noted, highlighting the lack of progress in addressing systemic issues.
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State Minister for Finance Ali Pervez Malik supported these reforms, stressing the need to curb vehicle purchases with black money and address imbalances in the tourism economy. He described the measures as essential for achieving economic sustainability.
During the discussion, Hina Rabbani Khar raised concerns about granting FBR officials the authority to block citizens’ bank accounts. She called for a more transparent and effective tax system to address corruption concerns. Langrial also acknowledged that the proposed reforms might create challenges for citizens and the economy, particularly in light of ongoing foreign exchange shortages.
The Standing Committee on Finance recognised the importance of the reforms but stressed the need to address public concerns and ensure greater accountability within the FBR to build public trust in the system.
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