BySaleem Mandviwalla, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, has urged Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to halt the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) procurement of over 1,000 vehicles. These vehicles are reportedly intended for operational activities and efforts to track non-filers within field formations.
In a letter to the finance minister, Mandviwalla expressed concerns over the acquisition of 1,010 vehicles by FBR officers, an issue recently brought to light by the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue. On January 13, 2025, the committee formally requested the FBR to provide detailed justifications and comprehensive information about the procurement process, including tendering, bidding, and approvals. This prompted the preparation of a detailed summary, but the scale and timing of the purchase have raised questions about its transparency.
The matter was further scrutinized during the committee meeting on January 22, 2025, where members highlighted significant flaws in the bidding process. According to Mandviwalla’s letter, potential competitors were deliberately excluded, raising concerns of mismanagement and possible ulterior motives. Such actions undermine the principles of fairness and transparency that are critical to government procurement.
Mandviwalla emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that a purchase order has already been issued and payment is imminent via the Office of the Accountant General. He revealed that the committee has unanimously recommended an immediate suspension of the procurement process to allow for a thorough investigation. The goal is to ensure the process adheres to legal and ethical standards.
The senator also warned of the financial and reputational risks associated with this procurement, urging the finance minister to intervene. A transparent review, he argued, is essential to maintaining public trust and upholding the government’s commitment to accountability and good governance.
