Hundreds of employees in Islamabad are under scrutiny for failing to file their taxes for the financial years 2021, 2022, and 2023, despite extended deadlines. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) confirmed that among its 3,200 staff members in grades 17 to 22, about 2,600 have filed their tax returns. However, official records reveal that besides 600 officers, there are additional employees below grade 17 who have not fulfilled this obligation.
FBR Chairman Amjad Zubair Towana stated that notices will be issued to all officers and staff members who have yet to submit their tax returns, and disciplinary action will be taken against those who persist in non-compliance. He emphasized that privileges given to them will be revoked in the initial phase.
The FBR’s stern approach was highlighted during a session with the Senate Standing Committee on Finance. The Board resolved to block SIM cards and potentially cut off electricity and gas supply for employees failing to submit their returns. Moreover, there’s a directive to deduct penalties from their salaries if they fail to comply by December 31.
Despite these measures, the FBR aims to significantly increase the number of taxpayers from the existing 3.3 million to about 7 million within the next seven months of the financial year. Chairman FBR noted that the total number of taxpayers in the country is currently 1.14 million.
