Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif awarded an officer a Rs5 million cash prize on Thursday for thwarting a fraud attempt as part of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) transformation initiative.
During an FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial briefing, the premier learned about the tax officials’ efforts to expose a sales tax fraud.
In response, the government has distributed cash rewards and additional salary bonuses to high-performing officials.
Mr. Sharif received details about misusing an 80-year-old woman’s identity for sales tax fraud. Aijaz Hassan, a senior tax officer, detected the fraud on March 4. Initially, Rs370m was transferred, and recovery efforts were in progress.
The FBR reported the arrest of the main suspect in the tax fraud.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the FBR to investigate any possible internal collusion in the fraud. He commended the FBR for its decisive action against those involved in tax fraud.
In addition to the cash reward, the Prime Minister presented Aijaz Hassan with a shield in recognition of his commitment to duty.
Mr. Sharif expressed substantial praise for Hassan. “Aijaz Hassan has demonstrated commendable dedication to serving the nation,” he noted.
Shehbaz Sharif also directed the FBR to employ top legal experts to ensure the fraud victims receive stringent punishment.
