Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday presented a commendatory shield and a prize of Rs 5 million to FBR officer Ijaz Hussain for his role in uncovering a massive sales tax fraud worth trillions of rupees.
The award was presented to Hussain at the PM House, where Shehbaz recognized the officer’s dedication, honesty, and commitment to combating tax evasion.
Shehbaz, while meeting with the officer, praised his diligence and fortitude in identifying the fraud and ensuring the timely identification of the perpetrators. The prime minister emphasized that such efforts align with the ongoing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and his broader vision for strengthening Pakistan’s tax collection system. According to a press release from the PM Office, this initiative is part of Shehbaz’s larger drive to combat tax evasion, enhance the efficiency of tax systems, and boost the country’s economic health.
During the meeting, Shehbaz noted that there is no shortage of capable and committed officers within the FBR. However, he stressed the importance of acknowledging and celebrating these officers’ contributions to foster a sense of motivation and responsibility across the board. He encouraged the FBR to continue implementing reforms that aim to streamline tax collection and crack down on fraudulent activities, which are detrimental to the national economy.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress made by FBR in its reform efforts, Shehbaz directed the board to further tighten its measures against tax evaders and their facilitators. He specifically instructed the FBR to investigate the recent fraud case thoroughly and engage a highly competent legal team to ensure that the culprits face appropriate legal action. He also called for accountability at all levels, particularly with regard to any officers who might have facilitated the fraud in any capacity.
The fraud, which involved using the credentials of an 80-year-old woman, was first identified by Ijaz Hussain on March 4 of this year. Initial investigations revealed that Rs 370 million was transferred as part of the scheme, and recovery efforts are currently underway. The main suspect behind the fraud has already been arrested.
In addition to focusing on individual accountability, Shehbaz reiterated that the government is committed to expanding the country’s tax base. He highlighted the crucial role that digitalization and ongoing FBR reforms play in preventing such fraudulent activities in the future. The prime minister concluded by expressing confidence that these efforts would help strengthen Pakistan’s tax infrastructure and contribute significantly to national development.
