KARACHI, June 15, 2025 — In a sensational move that’s ignited a storm of public outrage, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially begun the distribution of Honda City 1.2L cars to its officers, despite widespread criticism and serious allegations swirling around the procurement process.
The FBR, undeterred by public scrutiny, has already dispatched dozens of Honda vehicles to its Karachi headquarters — a move that has set social media and political circles ablaze.
Back in January 2025, the FBR shook the nation by announcing a controversial deal for the purchase of 1,010 Honda City 1.2L CVT vehicles. The stated aim? To strengthen enforcement against tax evasion through improved mobility for Inland Revenue and Pakistan Customs officers (BS-17 and BS-18). But critics say the real motive behind this grand purchase remains murky.
READ MORE: FBR Purchases 1,010 Honda City 1.2 L to Boost Tax Enforcement
In a Letter of Intent issued to Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited, the FBR committed an upfront payment of Rs3 billion — covering full payment for 500 cars and partial advance for the remaining 510. Deliveries were to be completed by May 2025. These cars were ordered with deluxe modifications: navigation systems, reverse cameras, premium interiors, and free maintenance up to 20,000 kilometers or 12 months.
Yet, the move sparked instant backlash. Taxpayers and legislators erupted in fury, accusing the FBR of splurging public funds for bureaucratic luxury. Hashtags slamming the decision trended for days, with angry voices demanding accountability.
READ MORE: Taxpayer Money Drives Heated Debate on FBR Honda Car Fleet
The controversy deepened when Senator Faisal Vawda alleged during a Senate Standing Committee meeting that he received death threats from FBR officers for exposing irregularities in the deal. The committee, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, heard explosive claims that FBR even raided the offices of a rival carmaker — Toyota Indus — after Vawda’s revelations.
In response, FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial temporarily halted the procurement and assured a full-scale investigation. The finance ministry also vowed to uphold its commitment to the IMF amid rising pressure for transparency.
Meanwhile, Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited has reason to celebrate. The company recently posted a bumper Rs2.7 billion profit for MY25, with Q4 earnings soaring 23% year-on-year — largely attributed to the massive FBR deal. Sales rose sharply, with 5,692 units sold in Q4 compared to just 3,736 in the previous quarter.
As the dust refuses to settle, the FBR’s Honda fleet rollout is becoming a flashpoint in Pakistan’s ongoing battle between administrative efficiency and public trust. The nation now waits to see whether this motorized tax crackdown delivers results — or more political turbulence.