FBR chairman offers to reveal names of influential figures hindering tax crackdown

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial stunned members of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Wednesday by offering to reveal the names of influential individuals allegedly blocking the FBR’s efforts to combat tax evasion and fraud.

Langrial proposed that the committee hold a private, in-camera session to disclose these names, emphasising the need for confidentiality due to concerns over potential backlash. 

"I want to share the identities of these individuals who are hindering the FBR’s crackdown on fraudsters," Langrial said, suggesting that if deemed appropriate, the names could later be disclosed in the same session.

According to a news report, Langrial was referring to politicians and businessmen with strong political connections, who are allegedly attempting to obstruct the FBR’s enforcement actions against tax evaders.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb also briefed the committee, highlighting the impact of SMS notifications sent to registered bank account holders, which have reportedly led to an improvement in tax collection. He denied any breach of financial privacy, clarifying that notifications were sent solely to registered account holders.

In a later media interaction, Langrial expressed confidence that the FBR would meet its revenue collection target for February 2026. He further revealed that the FBR had already recovered Rs70 billion under the Super Tax.