ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has barred the transfer of hundreds of millions of tax money, which was supposed to be used for incentivizing Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials’ projects, it emerged. “Keeping in view the current economic situation in Pakistan, the federal minister for finance has taken notice of the matter and directed the FBR to put the implementation of these rules on hold,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance. The news of the diversion of the tax collection circulated on social media and triggered criticism against the FBR chairman for making amendments to divert the funds to the Common Pool Fund (CPF) to use these funds for the welfare of employees. The issue prompted the finance minister to come up with a clarification. ONLINE
It said that keeping in view the current economic situation, Mr Dar has taken notice of the matter and directed the FBR to put the implementation of these rules on hold.
It was stated through an official statement at the time of suspension of the draw scheme that it will be made more inclusive and participatory for the public. All invoices verified during the intervening period will be included in the next prize draw.
“The new scheme will be launched after discussions with tier-1 retailers, card acquirers, issuers, and other stakeholders. A new scheme would be launched very soon,” the FBR added.
The tier-1 retailers collect Re1 per invoice from customers under section 76 of the Sales Tax Act 1990. The first computerised draw was held on Jan 15, 2022 at FBR headquarters.
