FBR gets stay against FTO decision
Blocks move to investigate low tax recovery in offshore asset cases
TRIBUNE CREATIVE
ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has obtained stay orders against the Federal Tax Ombudsman’s (FTO) decision to inspect offices dealing with offshore tax haven cases, blocking a move that could have unearthed reasons behind poor recovery of $22 million against $1.3 billion worth cases.
It is rare that a government department has gone in the courts against a constitutional office that is responsible to check corrupt practices in the tax machinery. The matter appears serious as stay orders have been obtained to block the move to scrutinise offshore tax havens related record, shared by Europe-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with Pakistan.