The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is under internal investigation after the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) referred a maladministration case to FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial. The issue began with a public complaint over the addition of an “estimated current market value” column in the 2025 wealth statement form. The column caused public concern and was later removed after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif intervened.
FTO Orders Investigation Against Senior Officials
According to the FTO’s directive, Dr. Asif Jah instructed FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial to probe the conduct of Members Inland Revenue (Operations and Policy) and the Director General (IT & DT). The FTO ordered that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against those responsible. The chairman was also directed to ensure that similar lapses do not occur again in future operations or policy matters.
Officials Accused of Ignoring Legal Procedures
The maladministration case was triggered when the FTO found that top FBR officials ignored legal notices and missed official hearings regarding the taxpayer’s complaint. These actions were seen as serious violations of procedure. The FTO’s report described their conduct as “unreasonable,” adding that their neglect and inefficiency legally fell under the definition of maladministration in Pakistan’s administrative framework.
Tax Lawyer Highlights Mismanagement and Neglect
Tax lawyer Waheed Shahzad Butt, who filed the original complaint, strongly criticized the FBR leadership. He stated that the organization’s top officials failed to maintain transparency and accountability. Butt said such negligence harms the trust of taxpayers and damages the credibility of the national tax system. He also requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to personally ensure that justice is served and accountability upheld.
Controversial Column Added Without Proper Approval
The disputed “market value” column was reportedly added to the wealth statement form on September 23, 2025. However, the change was introduced without completing the required legal or administrative process. Many taxpayers found the addition confusing and burdensome. The FTO’s investigation confirmed that the move lacked proper authorization, which further strengthened the case for administrative failure within the revenue authority.
Prime Minister Steps In To Resolve the Issue
As complaints spread across the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took personal notice of the matter. His office directed the FBR to form a review committee to assess the issue and recommend corrective action. The committee carefully studied the public reaction and procedural flaws before submitting its report. The Prime Minister’s prompt involvement highlighted the government’s resolve to protect citizens’ rights.
Committee Recommends Removing the Disputed Column
The committee reviewing the issue found that the added column caused unnecessary confusion and distress among taxpayers. It concluded that the FBR had not followed standard procedures before making such a change. The panel recommended removing the column immediately to restore public confidence in the tax system. Its findings were accepted by both the FTO and the Prime Minister’s Office for quick implementation.
Column Deleted From Iris Portal After Review
Following the Prime Minister’s approval, the Federal Board of Revenue removed the controversial column from its Iris portal. This action restored the previous version of the wealth statement form used by taxpayers. The decision was widely welcomed by tax professionals and citizens alike. It also demonstrated the importance of public oversight and the need for accountability within state institutions like the FBR.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
The entire episode served as a reminder that administrative errors can damage public confidence. Experts have urged the FBR to strengthen its internal checks and maintain transparency in future reforms. Many believe that strong accountability measures are essential for restoring the FBR’s image. The case has also reignited debate on how government departments should handle taxpayers’ data with care and responsibility.
