Edhi Foundation: Sindh CM seeks release of Rs 180 million refunds

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been withholding tax refunds of world's largest ambulance service and social welfare icon 'Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation' (ASEF) since FY 2016-17, creating difficulties for ASEF to continue welfare works.

The issue surfaced when the ASEF, which has been running from pillar to post to get tax refunds from FBR since 2016-17, finally approached the CM Sindh, requesting intervention.

Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah in his letter requested chairman FBR for refund of amount paid to the board and release '4x4 vehicle' from customs department. According to the letter sent by Saad Faisal, Managing Trustee ASEF to CM Sindh, around Rs. 180 million was paid by ASEF to the FBR against the import of 150 vehicles in FY 2016-17 and 120 vehicles and 12 rescue boats in 2018.

"Although all imported vehicles have been converted into ambulances, Rs. 180 million paid as tax on the imports of the said vehicles has not been refunded to the foundation so far," the letter said.

Furthermore, it said that the customs department has also not ensured the custody of a 4x4 land cruiser donated for ambulance purposes by a Pakistan born philanthropist in UAE.

Reacting to it, the CM Sindh has sent a letter to the chairman FBR, requesting him to look into the matter sympathetically.

When contacted, top customs official, on the request of anonymity, confirmed that the said tax refunds were pending since 2016-17 but denied to receive any official directive from chairman office to pursue the matter.

Replying to a question, he said that collector MCC appraisement East has now directed the concerned officers to ensure the release of pending tax refunds to ASEF as soon as possible. Furthermore, he said the department could not transfer the custody of 4x4 vehicle to the ASEF without the approval from ministry of commerce and advised ASEF to get approval from ministry of commerce for the release of 4x4 vehicle from customs custody.