Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Langrial, has defended the Revenue Division’s controversial decision to procure over 1,000 vehicles worth Rs. 6 billion for young field officers. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad on Sunday, Langrial stated that the vehicles are essential for the officers’ daily operations, including critical tasks such as sales tax inspections.

Langrial emphasized that the FBR had already provided a satisfactory explanation for the procurement to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue earlier this week. He expressed confidence that the purchase would not hinder the FBR’s ability to meet its tax collection targets.

However, the procurement has faced significant criticism. During a Senate Finance Committee session on Wednesday, FBR representatives failed to convince the panel of the necessity and transparency of the purchase. Committee Chairman Salim Mandviwalla criticized the move, stating that the FBR should ensure transparency in granting contracts. “This is very disturbing to hear that FBR has committed such kind of thing,” he remarked.

Senator Faisal Vawda also raised concerns, alleging that the vehicles were purchased without a competitive bidding process. “The FBR is purchasing expensive vehicles without competition. This is a scam and scandal that needs to be stopped,” he said.

Documents reviewed by ProPakistani reveal that the procurement will be carried out in two phases. The FBR plans to pay Rs. 3 billion upfront, covering the full payment for 500 vehicles and a partial payment for the remaining 510 units. The balance will be paid upon delivery of the first batch of vehicles.

The delivery schedule indicates that the FBR will receive 75 vehicles in January 2025, followed by 200 in February, 225 in March, 250 in April, and the remaining 260 in May 2025.