The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has filed a case against former Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman Shabbar Zaidi over allegedly issuing unauthorized tax refunds during his tenure. According to initial reports, the inquiry centers on refunds amounting to millions that were allegedly approved without proper verification or documentation.
Officials said the FIA has begun gathering records from the FBR’s database to determine whether the refunds were processed through undue influence or procedural lapses. Sources added that several senior officers might also be questioned in the investigation, as the inquiry expands to identify those who benefited from the controversial refunds.
Shabbar Zaidi, known for his bold and reform-driven stance, has often defended his policies aimed at overhauling Pakistan’s taxation system. He earlier stirred debate by proposing that Pakistan’s capital be moved from Islamabad to another city to boost administrative efficiency, an idea that sparked both criticism and interest nationwide.
While Zaidi has yet to issue a detailed response to the current FIA case, his previous statements suggested that he faced resistance from within the system during his attempts to implement tax reforms. Analysts believe this case could influence ongoing discussions about transparency and accountability in public institutions.
The tax refunds controversy comes amid a broader crackdown by the FIA on alleged financial irregularities within government departments. Legal experts say that if proven, such unauthorized refunds could mark one of the most high-profile financial misconduct cases involving a former top tax official in recent years.
