The Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) Karachi, a revenue collection arm of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), released a statement on Thursday vehemently denying allegations of embezzlement against Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management.
The statement clarified that no official letter reporting misappropriation of government funds had been submitted to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), labeling the circulating document as fabricated.
Addressing the situation, the LTO Karachi emphasized, “On August 31, 2023, a letter began circulating on electronic and social media, alleging that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had reported misappropriation of government funds by senior PIA officials to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). We wish to emphasize that this letter is a fabricated document.”
While the FBR did not provide comments on the verification of the letter when approached, the LTO Karachi’s statement shed light on the challenges faced by PIA in meeting its tax obligations. It highlighted ongoing discussions and meetings between the FBR and PIA representatives to address the airline’s cash flow difficulties.
The statement revealed, “However, due to PIA’s failure to fulfill its commitments, the FBR has taken the step of freezing its bank accounts,” asserting that such measures were taken in accordance with the law.
The economic challenges facing the country, particularly within the context of PIA’s financial struggles, were acknowledged by the FBR. As the principal revenue collection agency of the Federal Government, the FBR remains committed to fulfilling its statutory responsibilities while adhering to all applicable rules and regulations to ensure revenue generation.
The statement provided a clear stance against the alleged involvement of PIA management in embezzlement, urging caution against the spread of unverified information. The FBR emphasized its dedication to transparency and adherence to legal procedures while handling financial matters involving public entities.
It is noteworthy that the freezing of PIA’s bank accounts comes at a time when the airline is grappling with financial difficulties, and this move by the FBR signifies a proactive approach to address economic challenges and ensure accountability in the management of public funds. The FBR’s commitment to openness and adherence to regulations underscores the government’s efforts to maintain financial integrity amid challenging economic conditions.
