FBR Faces Probe After 400kg Silver Replaced With Lead and 250 Milk Bags Go Missing
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) came under serious scrutiny after lawmakers raised alarm over major irregularities in confiscated goods. These included the disappearance of 400 kilograms of silver during transportation, 250 unaccounted bags of skimmed milk, alleged theft and mismanagement of items under FBR custody, fire incidents in FBR godowns, and concerns over notices allegedly issued to legislators. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, directed the FBR to investigate these matters, recover the missing silver, identify the beneficiaries and submit detailed reports.
The most controversial issue discussed by the committee involved approximately 698 kilograms of silver confiscated by customs authorities in different cases in Balochistan. However, during transportation, it was discovered that the consignment allegedly contained only 298 kilograms of silver, while the remaining 400 kilograms had been replaced with lead.
Customs officials informed the committee that the matter appeared prima facie to be an insider job and that the Federal Investigation Agency had already initiated an inquiry. The chairman directed the FBR to ensure recovery of the missing silver, identify the beneficiaries involved and submit a comprehensive report. The Interior Subcommittee also received the matter for further investigation.
The committee also took serious notice of alleged irregularities in the seizure and auction of 2,000 bags of skimmed milk confiscated by Customs Enforcement Karachi. Members were informed that while 2,000 bags were reportedly seized, only 1,750 bags were reflected in the FIR, leaving 250 bags unaccounted for.
Customs authorities told the committee that the goods were confiscated based on a tampered and fake Goods Declaration. They also informed members that customs laws allow perishable goods to be auctioned immediately to prevent spoilage. However, the matter is currently pending before the Customs Court, and the committee directed the FBR to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report within one week.
Members also raised concerns regarding alleged theft and mismanagement of confiscated items under FBR custody, including fire incidents in FBR godowns. These concerns added to questions about whether confiscated goods are being properly recorded, secured, transported and disposed of under official procedures.
At the mover’s request, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control referred the matter involving the 2,000 skimmed milk bags to its relevant Sub Committee for detailed examination. The missing silver case was also sent to the same forum for further inquiry.
The committee further discussed concerns over notices allegedly issued by the FBR to legislators. Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla directed members to forward such notices to him for review to determine whether any undue or improper action had been taken.
FBR was also linked to the planned digitization of asset declarations by government servants. The Establishment Division informed the committee that the government had revised the Civil Servants Conduct Rules and was working to digitize the asset declaration system through the FBR platform. Officials said declarations would be publicly accessible in redacted form to promote transparency while protecting personal privacy.
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