Hafeez hints at replacement of Shabbar

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Tuesday that any decision about any new chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would be taken in consultation with Shabbar Zaidi, the current chairman.

Talking to media persons outside the Finance Division, he stated that Shabbar Zaidi was on leave due to health issue and if he did not return then the government would look for a replacement.

Shaikh described Shabbar Zaidi as his friend and stated that his return to the office would be decided by his doctors.

The health condition of FBR Chairperson Shabbar Zaidi has worsened due to which he has decided to continue medical leave till his health improves.

Talking to Business Recorder on Tuesday, Zaidi said that he was still not well and his condition was not improving and he still needed complete bed rest.

"I have informed the high-ups about my illness and I will follow my doctor's advice regarding rest. I will be on leave till I recover," he added.

Zaidi was on leave from January 6 to January 19, 2020 and he again went on medical leave from Monday (February 3rd).

Presently, FBR Acting Chairperson Nausheen Javaid Amjad is leading the FBR team during ongoing meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, spokesperson for the FBR/Member (IR-Policy) has clarified that Zaidi was on medical leave and he would assume the charge of chairman FBR as soon as he gets medically fit.

On October 3, 2019, in consultation with Shabbar Zaidi, Prime Minister Imran Khan had approved major reforms in the FBR, which were postponed due to resistance by the Inland Revenue Service and Pakistan Customs Services (PCS).

PM's letter of October 3rd contained the following major reforms in the FBR and timelines:

Establishment of Pakistan Revenue Authority (timeline June 30, 2020); reorganisation and re-articulation of FBR Headquarters (November 30, 2019); administrative and functional restructuring of LTUs/RTOs (December 31, 2019); collection of sales tax on services by the FBR (October 30, 2019); enhancement of collection charges of FBR for infrastructure development, automation and HRD (timeline June 30, 2020); nationwide tax assessment and documentation drive (timeline November 30), nation-wise survey of immovable properties (October 31), proposal for development of Alternate Border Economy (timeline October 31, 2019), and process for automation of the FBR (timeline November 30, 2019).