Senator Claims Receiving Death Threats from FBR Officers for Opposing Purchase of Over 1,000 Cars 

In a startling development, Senator Faisal Vawda Thursday alleged that he has received death threats from certain Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials over criticism of procurement process for the purchase of 1,010 vehicles worth Rs. 6 billion by the FBR.  Speaking during the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, the senator claimed that apart from death threats, the FBR officials also warned him that his business will be destroyed.  The committee chairman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, backed Vawda’s claims and said he received similar threats.  Vawda further alleged that a company was awarded contract for the procurement of 1,010 vehicles without due process and the company that offered to provide the vehicles at a much lower cost had to face consequences and its office was raided by FBR. The senator also claimed that FBR officials use official vehicles for personal use and said this will also be the fate of over 1,000 vehicles that FBR intends to acquire.  In response, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, who was also present in the meeting said that death threats are uncalled for and suggested to refer the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).   The FBR chairman assured that until the committee is satisfied in every way, the procurement process won’t go ahead.