ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) faced the liquidity crunch mainly due to alleged conflict between the top brass of the apex revenue authority.
Sources said that the FBR could collect only Rs7 billion on the last day of previous fiscal year, whereas Rs22 billion were collected on June 29.
The FBR could collect at least Rs100 billion less tax, a senior official said, adding that two positions i.e. Member Policy and Member Operations – are very important in function of the FBR.
Dr Iqbal, who is also spokesperson of the FBR, was given the charges of these two posts. Former FBR chairman Tariq Pasha wanted Dr Iqbal to continue on both positions. However, Habibullah Khan was appointed as Member Policy, who was never welcomed in the FBR.
Sources revealed that Habibullah Khan was never invited to important decision-making meetings, nor he was taken into confidence on important issues. Major decisions were taken by Tariq Pasha, Member Policy Dr Iqbal and SA to Chairman Amjad Tiwana, a Grade-20 officer.
However, Dr Iqbal refuted these rumours, saying that there were no differences among senior members of the FBR and all were working as a team. He further stated that amnesty schemes performed well and still tax collection was coming from abroad through the State Bank and final figures will be announced when the SBP will provide final collection of tax.
