Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi has not resigned

• The name of Ahmed Mujtaba Memon,  is making the rounds at the Finance Ministry and the FBR for the slot of chairman FBR.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked SAPM on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan to suggest names for new Chairman FBR.

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Syed Shabbar Zaidi, has not resigned from the post of FBR chief, it was learnt on Tuesday.

Reports circulated regarding the resignation of Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi, it was reported that he has informed the top officials of his decision, after resigning from the post due to health problems.

However, Zaidi later denied the news saying that he has not resigned from the post of FBR Chairman, and said that he cannot continue further work due to health problems, and has informed the top officials of the decision as well.

The health of FBR chairman is very poor, said adviser on finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. The advisor informed that Zaidi is on a long leave.

Talking about Zaidi’s replacement Sheikh said that the government will seek a new Chairman FBR, if Zaidi’s health doesn’t improve.  Will seek new chairman in consultation with Shabbar Zaidi, the advisor said. Shabbar return to the office will be decided by the doctor, he added.

On Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan asked Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan to suggest names for new Chairman FBR in case Shabbar Zaidi is unable to continue as Chairman FBR due to his health issues.

When contacted on Monday, Shabbar Zaidi told Business Recorder, “Not well. Got better but it has again worsened. Inshallah will be better again".

Earlier, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh dismissed reports regarding the removal of Shabbar Zaidi, terming it 'completely false'. “We want Shabbar Zaidi to get well soon and return to the office," he said.

However, if Zaidi's condition does not improve, alternative options can be considered, Sheikh added.

Meanwhile, the name of Ahmed Mujtaba Memon, a man who reportedly has the confidence of Hafeez Sheikh, is making the rounds at the Finance Ministry and the FBR for the slot of chairman FBR after Shabbar Zaidi went on medical leave for the second time this month.

Sources informed Business Recorder that Zaidi is facing serious health issues but also acknowledged that the rift between the Adviser and the Chairman has deepened.

Zaidi was on leave from January 6 to January 19, 2020 and is on medical leave from Monday (February 3).