ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials told a Senate sub-committee for Interior on Monday 6 July, that they require cabinet approval before sharing taxpayer data with parliamentary committees.
During a hearing, committee chairman Senator Saifullah Abro asked FBR officials to provide details of taxpayers as part of the ongoing proceedings.
FBR representatives said they had brought some information but could not share certain sensitive data without formal approval. They added that a request had been sent to the Ministry of Law for guidance on what information can be disclosed.
Officials said they are awaiting legal clarification before submitting complete records, noting that most taxpayer data can only be shared after cabinet approval.
The committee chairman questioned the explanation and stressed that Parliament has the authority to request such information. He directed the officials to provide the required data without delay.
Senator Abro warned that if the data is not submitted, higher authorities, including the prime minister, may be asked to intervene by saying "The prime minister will himself announce that the FBR officials have lied, you have to face problems.' He also expressed frustration over what he described as delays in providing information to the committee.
The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between parliamentary oversight bodies and tax authorities over access to financial records and transparency requirements.
Officials said they are trying to follow legal procedures, while lawmakers insist on timely disclosure for accountability purposes.
