ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has intervened to halt the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) plans to purchase over 1,000 vehicles worth billions of rupees for its officers, citing concerns over potential corruption and lack of transparency.
Committee Meeting Highlights Concerns Over Procurement
The meeting, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwla, saw sharp criticism of the FBR’s decision to acquire 1,010 vehicles. According to the Ministry of Finance, these vehicles were intended for field officers to facilitate their work. However, the decision faced significant pushback from committee members.
Procurement Details and Concerns
To provide a quick overview of the situation, here’s a summary table:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Vehicles Ordered | 1,010 |
Purpose | For FBR field officers |
Estimated Cost | Billions of rupees |
Primary Concern | Lack of transparency, potential corruption |
Status | Order already placed, procurement halted |
Faisal Vawda Flags Potential Corruption
Senator Faisal Vawda raised alarms over the procurement process, accusing the FBR of favoring specific companies. He questioned the lack of competitive bidding and expressed fears of a large-scale corruption scandal if the process continued unchecked.
Vawda urged the committee to halt the purchase temporarily and insisted on a fair and transparent bidding process. He added that the FBR should first address its revenue shortfall before moving forward with such substantial expenditures.
FBR Confirms Order Placement Amid Criticism
FBR officials revealed during the meeting that the order for the vehicles had already been placed. This revelation prompted further criticism from Senator Vawda, who reiterated the need for accountability and transparency in the procurement process.
Call for Financial Prudence and Transparency
The Senate’s intervention underscores the importance of financial prudence and adherence to proper procedures in government spending. The committee has demanded that the vehicle purchase be halted until a more transparent and competitive process is ensured.