Court orders Pakistan tax body to provide information on officers with corruption cases

The Sindh High Court has directed Pakistan's tax collection authority — the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) — to provide detailed information regarding officers who have pending cases before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) courts.

The court also ordered details on any conviction orders that have been passed against these officers and subsequent actions taken by the FBR and its field formations.

All FBR field formations are required to submit their reports to the Board by January 10.

The high court also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing cases of corruption and misconduct within the FBR.

FBR has initiated action against irregularity, corruption and inefficient elements present in the organization.

An official said FBR is determined to rid the organization of corrupt and inefficient elements. Prompt action will be taken against the officers and officials found involved in irregularity and inefficiency.

The image of the organization will be raised and the perception of the taxpayers and people about the organization will be improved so that the taxpayers’ can pay their due taxes in time without any hesitation and suspicion thinking that their paid taxed would be utilized on the progress of the country and welfare of the people.

The tax authority also enlisted the help of intelligence agencies to track down officers involved in corruption.

In September, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial announced that a strict reward and punishment system would be enforced within the organization to improve accountability.