Two officials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were martyred after gunmen opened fire near the Kohat Toll Plaza in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack took place while the officials were performing their official duties as part of an anti-tax evasion operation.
According to initial reports, the martyred officials were identified as Sepoy Muqaddar Ali and Sepoy Nazar Muhammad, both serving under the Regional Tax Office (RTO) in Peshawar. The officials were stationed at a checkpoint established under Section 40D of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, aimed at curbing tax evasion and ensuring compliance during goods transportation.
Rescue teams and local authorities reached the site shortly after the incident. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, but both officials succumbed to their injuries. Security forces have launched a search operation in the area to trace the attackers.
The FBR strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on the institution’s lawful duties. Senior FBR officials, including the Chief Commissioner and officers from RTO Peshawar, attended the funeral prayers of the martyrs. The Board also expressed deep sorrow over the loss and assured full support to the bereaved families in line with government policy.
In its statement, the FBR reaffirmed its determination to continue its enforcement operations across the country, saying that the sacrifices of its officers would not go in vain. The attack highlights the risks faced by law enforcement and tax officials in maintaining state revenue integrity in high-risk regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities have increased security at other FBR checkpoints in the province to prevent similar incidents.
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