Saleem Mandviwalla, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, has called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to immediately stop Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from procurement of over 1,000 vehicles claimed to be used for operational activities and hunt non-filers in the field formations.
In a letter to the finance minister, Mandviwalla highlighted the issue of procurement of 1,010 vehicles intended for the officers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which has recently been highlighted by the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue.
Mandviwalla wrote that on January 13, 2025, the committee issued a letter to the FBR for seeking explicit justifications and detailed information on the acquisition process. This inquiry specifically requested explanations for the procurement of a significant number of vehicles, and the associated tendering, bidding procedures, and approvals involved, which precipitated the subsequent design of a detailed summary. The timing and scale of this procurement have raised considerable doubts about the transparency and integrity of the process, prompting a further review of the issue during the committee meeting on January 22, 2025, under “Any other item.”
During this meeting, the committee members identified the deliberate exclusion of potential competitors in the bidding process. This action has been perceived as an instance of mismanagement and possibly mala fide intentions, compromising the principles of fairness and transparency that are fundamental to government procurement processes, the letter said.
The Senator said that given the urgency of the situation, especially since the purchase order has been issued and the payment is poised to be processed by the Office of the Accountant General, the Committee has unanimously recommended an immediate halt to this procurement. This pause is crucial to allow for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities and to ensure that all actions taken have been in full compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Mandviwalla urged the minister to intervene and suspend the ongoing procurement process. It is imperative that we conduct a thorough review to ascertain the integrity of the entire process and take appropriate corrective measures to address any lapses or violations that may have occurred, he added.
This situation not only represents a financial implication for the national exchequer but also bears significant reputational risks. Ensuring accountability and transparency in this matter will reaffirm the government’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and public trust, the Senator wrote.
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