Finance Minister Asad Umar has been informed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that the tax authorities have chalked out a new strategy to dispose of litigations in courts involving revenue of Rs 1.3 trillion. Sources told Business Recorder here on Friday that the FBR has finalised the plan for liquidation of huge amount of revenue in litigation in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, high courts, appellate tribunals and commissioner appeals.
According to sources, the revenue of Rs 1,350 billion is sub judice at various appellate fora. The revenue under litigation is being actively pursued by the FBR while taking a number of measures.
Firstly, the FBR has requested the Supreme Court to adjudicate major revenue yielding cases. Pursuant to the request of the FBR, the court has promised to fix major cases involving revenue of Rs 15 billion. The remaining cases will also be fixed on the basis of revenue potential by the Supreme Court.
On the directions of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the FBR had held a meeting with Registrar Supreme Court to apprise him of the quantum of revenue under litigation at the superior appellate fora. The FBR has made a request to constitute special benches at the high courts to adjudicate the pending appeals on top priority.
Secondly, the FBR has also held meeting with the chairman Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue to expedite liquidation of pendency at top priority. The chairman Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue promised for quick disposal. Thirdly, in pursuance of the active drive to liquidate pendency of the pending appeals, the FBR expects recovery of an amount of Rs 20 billion in the current financial year.