Seeking Early Retirement for Personal Reasons, FBR Chairman Tells Senate Panel

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Amjad Zubair Tiwana on Tuesday told the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue that he was seeking early retirement for personal reasons. Tiwana presented the implementation status of the committee’s 96 recommendations for the Federal Budget 2024-25. Out of these, 36 were fully implemented, 14 were partially implemented, and 36 were not shelved. The Finance Bill saw full implementation of 22 recommendations, partial implementation of 5, and 22 not implemented. The committee also discussed the influence of the Prime Minister’s Office on FBR officer appointments and removals. The committee recommended in-camera meetings to address the motives and discuss the removal of FBR officers, with the Finance Minister and Chairman FBR present. During the session, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed the committee that Pakistan’s economy was showing signs of improvement this financial year and boosting investor confidence. The Finance Minister also discussed ongoing efforts to privatize state-owned enterprises. More than 40 ministries are under review for right-sizing, with initial work already begun in five ministries. He added that an implementation plan is being developed to address legal complications and assets. A report in this regard will be provided to the committee in its upcoming session.