KARACHI – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle has filed a case against former Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi for allegedly approving illegal income tax refunds exceeding Rs 16 billion.
According to the FIA report, the refunds were issued to three banks, two cement companies, and one chemical firm. All six entities were clients of Zaidi’s private firm before he was appointed as FBR Chairman.
The case claims that Shabbar Zaidi, in collaboration with certain FBR officials, unlawfully authorized these payments between May 2019 and January 2020. The FIR, registered on October 29, names Zaidi, several FBR officials, and executives from the concerned banks as accused.
The inquiry report (No. 91/2025) revealed that during Zaidi’s tenure, Rs 16 billion were improperly disbursed to companies that had previously worked with his firm. The findings indicate a conflict of interest and potential misuse of authority.
According to official records, Shabbar Zaidi served as FBR Chairman from May 10, 2019, to January 6, 2020. The FIR states that these actions constitute offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIA has registered the case under the direction of the competent authority and initiated a detailed investigation. Authorities will now examine the evidence, financial records, and correspondence from Zaidi’s term to determine the extent of alleged misconduct.
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This case against Shabbar Zaidi marks another major development in the FIA’s ongoing efforts to curb financial irregularities and strengthen transparency within government departments. Further proceedings are expected following the completion of the investigation.
