FBR’s Decision to Purchase 1,010 Honda City Cars Draws Public Criticism

Islamabad:The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to purchase 1,010 Honda City cars, a move that has already received approval from the government. FBR will make an advance payment of 3 billion rupees for the vehicles, while the remaining amount will be paid upon the delivery of 500 cars.

This decision has sparked significant criticism from the public, especially taxpayers. A social media user, Wajih Siraj, expressed concerns, highlighting that nearly 6 billion rupees, sourced from taxpayers’ hard-earned money – including salaried individuals who pay as much as 40% in taxes – will be spent on these vehicles for FBR officers. He emphasized that taxpayers should be aware of how their money is being used.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Umar Ayub of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also criticized the move. He pointed out that while FBR is purchasing 1,010 cars, it had reported a revenue shortfall of 400 billion rupees in the first half of the current financial year. Ayub added that Pakistan’s public is already burdened with high taxes, and now FBR is using taxpayer money to purchase these luxury vehicles. He called this situation shameful, especially given the ongoing IMF program.

Umar Ayub further criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration is completely oblivious to the public’s difficulties.

Journalist Awais Yousafzai raised questions about the purpose of such a large purchase, wondering why FBR needs 1,000 new vehicles when its employees already have vehicles or if there have been mass recruitments that require these cars. He questioned whether this was necessary for the institution.

An X user also voiced frustration, noting that while the country is burdened with debt, FBR is using the taxes of poor and salaried individuals to buy 1,000 Honda City cars. He stated that this system “sucks the blood” of the poor to benefit the privileged.

Another user condemned the decision as “shameful,” emphasizing the financial strain on salaried individuals who are paying heavy taxes while the revenue department uses these funds for luxury purchases.

Former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry also termed FBR’s decision as “shameful.”

According to official documents, the vehicles will come with several additional features, including a navigation system with a reverse camera, high-quality interior design, 20,000 kilometers or 12 months of free periodic maintenance, and an extended warranty of four years or 100,000 kilometers.

FBR has also requested that each vehicle be fitted with a tracking system, which will include a discounted offer for a one-year service charge and subscription renewal. The delivery of these vehicles will take place over several months: 75 vehicles in January, 200 in February, 225 in March, 250 in April, and the final 260 cars in May 2025.