Islamabad, June 14, 2025 – In a landmark move, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has successfully confiscated the first-ever benami immovable property in Islamabad under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2017.
This historic action was taken by FBR’s Anti-Benami Initiative, Zone-I, Islamabad, marking a major milestone in the government’s ongoing crackdown against benami assets across the country.
According to an official press release issued on Saturday, the FBR confiscated two plots: Plot No. 168-A (Corner), measuring 816 square yards, and Plot No. 174-A (Corner), measuring 991 square yards, located in Block H of the Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS), Islamabad. These properties have now been officially transferred to the Federal Government, with all ownership rights vested in the state.
The case originated from a complaint indicating suspicious benami ownership of the said properties. During the investigation, it was discovered that the person listed as the owner was not registered with the FBR and denied any involvement in the purchase or ownership of the plots. The alleged benamidar stated that her Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) had been misused for the registration of these properties.
Following a detailed investigation, the matter was referred to the Benami Adjudicating Authority, Bench-I, Islamabad. The Authority ruled in favor of Benami Zone-I, and a formal confiscation order was issued. The properties were subsequently seized with assistance from local law enforcement, completing the legal process.
This action is part of a broader anti-benami strategy launched by the government in July 2019, which included the establishment of three Anti-Benami Zones under the supervision of the Directorate General of Anti-Benami Initiative (ABI). Since then, over 187 references have been filed involving a wide array of assets such as land, vehicles, shares, bank accounts, and real estate.
The FBR’s latest action underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating benami transactions, enhancing economic documentation, curbing white-collar crime, and recovering untaxed and ill-gotten wealth. The successful confiscation by FBR not only sets a legal precedent but also sends a strong message against tax evasion and financial malpractice in Pakistan.