FBR Chairman Reveals Agencies Send Lists for Removal of Officials

Islamabad – In a recent meeting chaired by FBR Chairman Saliem Mandviwala, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance discussed the issue of taxes on children’s stationery. Senator Farooq H. Naik emphasized the importance of making education more affordable, questioning why taxes on children’s stationery had not been abolished.
FBR Chairman Amjad Zubair Tiwana explained that although the FBR had approached the IMF regarding the matter, the IMF only permitted tax relief on textbooks and newspapers. The Finance Minister pointed out the need for tax reforms on various charitable hospitals, with Senator Naik highlighting the high fees at the Aga Khan Hospital, which remains classified as a charitable institution.
The committee also addressed the issue of FBR officials being designated as OSDs (Officers on Special Duty). The committee chairman revealed that lists from various agencies, including the Prime Minister’s Office, are received monthly, suggesting which officials should be removed. Tiwana clarified that these lists are reviewed thoroughly, with discussions held to address any inaccuracies.
The Finance Minister and FBR Chairman assured the committee that new rules will be established to address these concerns. The committee chairman proposed an in-camera session to discuss the placement of officials and the upcoming retirement of the FBR Chairman.