ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial has offered to reveal the identities of influential individuals allegedly obstructing the authority’s enforcement campaign against tax evasion and financial fraud.
Speaking during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Langrial surprised lawmakers by proposing an in-camera briefing where he could confidentially share the names of those attempting to derail FBR’s crackdown on non-compliant taxpayers.
He told the committee that certain powerful elements are actively working to weaken enforcement actions and stressed that a closed-door session would be the safest way to disclose sensitive details. Langrial added that if lawmakers agree, the names could later be made public following deliberations.
Sources familiar with the discussion indicated that the chairman was referring to politically connected business figures and politicians who are allegedly exerting pressure to halt recovery proceedings against major tax defaulters.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed the committee on FBR’s recent compliance measures, including SMS alerts sent to registered bank account holders. He clarified that the initiative has contributed to improved revenue collection and firmly rejected claims of financial privacy violations.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Langrial expressed optimism about achieving FBR’s revenue target for February 2026. He also disclosed that approximately Rs70 billion has already been recovered under the Super Tax regime.
The development highlights growing tensions between tax authorities and powerful stakeholders as the government intensifies efforts to broaden Pakistan’s tax base and strengthen fiscal discipline.
