The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was informed on Wednesday that several officers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reportedly hold assets that far surpass their officially declared earnings.
Senator Talha Mahmood told the committee that some tax officials drawing salaries between Rs. 200,000 and Rs. 400,000 own luxury vehicles and properties worth billions of rupees. He highlighted the discrepancy between their income and wealth, calling for a sub-committee to investigate the matter.
The senator also raised objections to certain provisions in the FBR Amendment Bill 2026, claiming that they grant excessive powers to the FBR chairman. He warned that concentrating authority in one office could lead to misuse and criticized the treatment of businesspeople, saying they are often unfairly portrayed as lawbreakers.
Responding, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that all civil servants, including FBR officers, are legally required to declare their assets under parliamentary regulations. He encouraged the identification of any irregularities within institutions to ensure accountability but said that a separate sub-committee was unnecessary since such matters could be addressed within existing structures.
The minister clarified that the committee’s discussion focused on the new Tax Policy Board established under the amendment bill and not on the appointment of the FBR chairman.
Despite the objections and concerns raised during the session, the Senate committee approved the FBR Amendment Bill 2026, moving forward with the proposed changes to the federal tax framework.
