KARACHI: The FBR heading team is changing by Friday including Chairman, while the changes are likely up to bottom level again.

Informed sources disclosed that more than 40 FIRs are pending by FBR officials on fake and flying invoices.  The raids on defaulter factories are still going on regular basis but not being reported in media. Yesterday one factory was sealed in Sukkur by RTO, sources said. On the other hand every officer of FBR grade-17 and 18 or equivalent are being provided car because Field force can't work without conveyance, practically it is not possible. Therefore the Board has set to purchase 1,010 Honda City cars worth Rs.6bn, the sources added. We should be grateful to the government that double cabins are not given in the name of field force requirements, analysts said. According to reports the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is planning to purchase 1,010 Honda City 1.2L CVT cars worth Rs.6 billion.  In this regard FBR has requested Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited (HCAR) to include several add-ons in the listed price of the Honda City 1.2L CVT transmission model. These include a navigation system with a reverse camera, a high-grade interior, and free periodic maintenance for up to 20,000 km or 12 months.  Additionally, the price will cover a 4th-year extended warranty, offering coverage for up to four years or 100,000 KM, subject to regular maintenance at authorized Honda 3S/2S dealerships. As part of the package, Honda Atlas will install a tracker system with one-year service charges at Rs.8,500 (exclusive of tax), with the cost being borne by the FBR. The Board will pay an upfront amount of Rs.3bn for the purchase of 1,010 vehicles. Regarding delivery schedule, FBR has outlined a phased delivery plan. The first Phase includes the delivery of 75 vehicles in January 2025, 200 vehicles in February 2025, and 225 vehicles in March 2025. The second phase includes the delivery of 250 vehicles in April 2025 and 260 vehicles in May 2025.

The vehicles will be provided to the officers of grade 17 & 18 with registration transferable in their name and FBR will collect money of residual value from these employees. All these officers will be owner of the vehicle on residual value as private companies are doing and installment will be deducted from their salary so vehicles will be maintained properly.  This is not amazing because last time FBR provided Cultus in 2007 for the field force, analysts added.