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Reading: PIC Directs FBR to Share Tax Recovery Data, Says Public Has Right to Know 
Right to Information

PIC Directs FBR to Share Tax Recovery Data, Says Public Has Right to Know 

Khudayar Mohla
Khudayar Mohla
Pakistan Information Commission, PIC order FBR, tax recovery data, FBR transparency, public right to know, Right of Access to Information Act 2017, tax defaulters Pakistan, national revenue collection, tax litigation Pakistan, FBR compliance, Prime Minister directives tax, transparency and accountability, access to public records Pakistan, RTI Pakistan, economic governance, FBR disclosure order, PIC decision tax data, taxpayer information Pakistan, public interest disclosure

While adjudicating a plea seeking tax information Pakistan Information Commission issued directives to Federal Board of Revenue to disclose tax recovery and default details, ruling the information is of public importance and cannot be withheld under transparency laws.

The case arose from an appeal filed before Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) by a citizen after central revenue collection agency Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) denied access to the requested information. Although the public body shared partial information with the appellant on April 23, 2025, the appellant submitted a rejoinder on July 6, 2025, objecting to the refusal to disclose complete details.

After reviewing the information request, the response from the public body, the appellant’s rejoinder, and relevant provisions of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, the Commission concluded that the information sought pertains directly to matters of public interest and national economic relevance.

“The information requested by the appellant supports efforts by the FBR to recover outstanding dues and taxes stuck in litigation,” the Commission stated. “This not only aligns with the directives repeatedly issued by the Prime Minister but also contributes to national revenue collection, transparency, and accountability.”

Citing preamble of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, the Commission emphasized that the law is intended to promote transparency, reduce inefficiency, and enhance public participation in governance. In light of these findings, the Commission has directed the Secretary (Compliance) / Designated Officer / Public Information Officer, FBR to compile and furnish the required information within 30 days of receiving the order.

Furthermore, copies of the order have also been forwarded to the Prime Minister Secretariat and the Chairman, FBR for their consideration and necessary action. This decision reinforces the public’s right to know and holds public bodies accountable for ensuring that vital economic information is not withheld from citizens.

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Khudayar Mohla, Managing Partner Mohla & Mohla, Founder of the Law Today Pakistan,
ByKhudayar Mohla
Managing Partner at Mohla & Mohla - Advocates and Legal Consultants, Islamabad, Founder of The Law Today Pakistan (TLTP) Newswire Service. Former President Press Association of Supreme Court of Pakistan with over two decades of coverage of defining judicial moments - including the dissolution and restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Asif Ali Zardari NAB cases, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani contempt proceedings, Panama Papers case against Mian Nawaz Sharif, matters involving Imran Khan, and the high treason trial of former Army Chief and President Pervez Musharraf. He now practises law and teaches Jurisprudence, International Law, Civil and Criminal Law. Can be reached at: mohla@lawtoday.com.pk
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