LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Intelligence and Investigation staff praised the statement of FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa against political influence in the investigations of tax evasion cases.
Talking to Customs Today, an official requesting anonymity said that the FBR could get more revenue than the set target of Rs 2.691 trillion by taking nondiscriminatory measures against the powerful tax evaders.
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He said there were cases of billions of rupees which could not be pursued due to political influence or orders from authorities.
He quoted an example that when a BS-16 or above grade officer initiates investigation against an influential tax defaulter company or individual just to perform his duties, he is threatened by different ways, like suspension from job, imposition of fake corruption charges, etc.
Other officials from the FBR urged the department that intelligence officials should be given a free hand to tackle tax evaders who steal national revenue.
Once an officer starts investigation any case, he should not be transferred or stopped from investigation of the particular case until getting success, they suggested.
They also urged the department to take actions against the high-ups who restrain the lower staff or inspectors from conducting proceedings against tax evaders in particular cases.
Customs Intelligence officials in Lahore also appreciated the views of the FBR chairman regarding the achievements of the wing. They specially praised the statement of the chairman that no pressure or political influence should be accepted at any cost in tax evasion cases.
Earlier, FBR Chairman Bajwa held a meeting with Intelligence and Investigation wing’s officers, in which he valued the performance of officials and ordered them to start a crackdown on big tax defaulters immediately.
