The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production delivered a sharp rebuke to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday for failing to implement its directives to include the iron and steel sector in the Export Facilitation Scheme.
Committee members held the FBR responsible for a potential $1.5 billion loss in exports, citing the department’s delay in issuing the necessary Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO). Expressing strong disapproval, the committee chairman accused the FBR of disregarding parliamentary instructions and announced that a formal notice would be issued against the department.
Frustration mounted as the committee noted the frequent rotation of FBR representatives at meetings. The chairman, in a pointed remark, highlighted the lack of continuity: “First, an FBR lady used to come, then Mr. Faisal used to come, and today another gentleman has come; we will bear him too.” He called on the media to spotlight the FBR’s conduct.
The committee also addressed the ongoing financial crisis at the Utility Stores Corporation (USC), where Rs. 7.2 billion is reportedly owed. FBR officials claimed the USC had demanded Rs. 18.5 billion. The chairman urged both parties to resolve the dispute swiftly to prevent layoffs, assuring union representatives that employee jobs would be protected.
Throughout the session, the committee stressed the importance of accountability in both public and private sectors, warning that delays, defiance, or neglect of parliamentary directives would not be tolerated.
