Senator Faisal Vawda Opposes FBR’s Purchase of Expensive Vehicles
Senator Faisal Vawda has stated that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will not be allowed to purchase costly vehicles over more affordable alternatives.
During a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Wednesday, Vawda emphasized that unnecessary expenditures were halted during the previous government, and he pledged to continue preventing financial losses for Pakistan.
“We won’t allow Pakistan to bear billions in losses. Why purchase vehicles worth Rs6 billion? A proposal was made to benefit one company. Replacing affordable vehicles with expensive ones is unacceptable,” Vawda said.
He recalled warning against such purchases when the issue first arose and noted that members of the cabinet committee were now acknowledging the concerns. “The FBR has no justification for these vehicle purchases,” he added.
Vawda also criticized the FBR for making such a decision amid a significant tax shortfall of Rs386 billion. He stated, “If these vehicles are bought, I will take the matter to NAB.”
Accusing the FBR of favoring certain companies, Vawda labeled the vehicle purchase plan as a “massive scandal” and an example of corruption. “Whatβs worse than a kickback contract? This is a corruption issue,” he commented.
He further questioned whether the FBR was attempting to use vehicle purchases as a means to cover the tax deficit.
Urging the committee to halt the vehicle purchases, Vawda suggested a more transparent and competitive process for acquiring the vehicles. “If this is allowed to continue, it will lead to a major corruption scandal,” he concluded.
