FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial defends board’s decision to buy new vehicles

FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial defends board’s decision to buy new vehicles

January, 27 2025

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): As the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) bid to buy vehicles became controversial, Chairman Rashid Langrial defended the board’s decision.

The revenue division aimed to procure over 1,000 vehicles worth Rs6 billion for young field officers.

Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Chairman Rashid Langrial emphasised that the procurement is needed for their daily operations.

To carry out key tasks, vehicles are essential, Langrial stated adding that the regulator had already given a satisfactory explanation for buying these cars to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue.

He expressed confidence that the FBR would meet revenue target for Fiscal year 2024-25 in spite of the procurement of 1,010 1300cc vehicles.

However, Langrial’s statements fail to justify the large vehicle purchase order. During the Senate Finance Committee session on Wednesday, the FBR’s Chief Admin representative was unable to satisfy the panel regarding the vehicle purchase.

Also Read: Senate Standing Committee halts FBR from purchasing over 1,000 vehicles

Committee Chairman Salim Mandivivala expressed concerns, stating that the FBR should avoid such actions and ensure transparency when awarding contracts. He found it deeply troubling that the FBR had made such a commitment.