The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) came under severe criticism in the Supreme Court on Thursday for its failure to meet the "20 percent of the revenue collection target", as 80 percent taxes are collected indirectly.

A two-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed was hearing a case filed by FBR against restoration of Muhammad Anwar Goraya, a BS-21 of officer of Inland Revenue.

Goraya was dismissed from service on charges of inefficiency and corruption in 2014 after an inquiry. He was sacked by the competent authority - the then prime minister - after having considered all the aspects and material relating to the case, defense of the accused officer including reply to the show cause notice, findings of the inquiry officer, and recommendations of the authorized officer.

Justice Ahmed said that FBR has become a burden on the country, adding why the board hasn't been able to meet its taxation targets. "You [FBR] have over 22,000 people just to collect 20 percent taxes as more than 80 percent taxes are being collected indirectly," he observed.

"Put an end to FBR and you will see how much money is collected," Justice Ahmad said, adding, "The Bureau is burdening the country as its input is no privy to us all."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019