Jazz condemns sealing of its office, says FBR move hurt its ‘Reputation & Pride’

Pakistan’s telecom operator Jazz has condemned the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for sealing its head office in Islamabad, over alleged non-payment of over Rs 25 billion in taxes.

A Jazz Spokesperson on Thursday, said, “We have received a notice from FBR yesterday for the recovery of a disputed tax demand and we have serious reservations on these alleged taxes. The proceedings were carried out on plea of a tax recovery notice for a disputed amount from 2018 which is under legal proceedings.

“Due to the drastic measures our corporate reputation and pride has been hurt and shakes the confidence of foreign investors of Jazz and others. Despite being the largest taxpayers, we are treated in an unfortunate way. While the government is making efforts to improve the business environment in the country, such drastic measures would unfortunately severely affect investment prospects,” the spokesperson added.

The FBR on Wednesday, sealed the office after stating in an order that the Income Tax amount of Rs 25,393,653,480 is outstanding against the defaulter (Jazz) while the defaulter is refraining itself “deliberately, dishonestly and without lawful excuse to discharge tax liability and thus causing huge loss to the national exchequer.”

The order further stated that the head office of Jazz in Islamabad will remain sealed till the payment of outstanding dues in full or withdrawal of this order.

Meanwhile, the company said that it is amongst the largest taxpayers and the biggest foreign investors with an investment of over $ 9.5 billion during the last 25 years. Jazz said that in the last 6 years alone, has contributed over Rs 251 billion to the national exchequer in the form of taxes and duties.

The telecom operator added that it seeks resolution of the matter and is willing to conduct dialogue as well as rightful legal course to reach merit and right interpretation.