Pakistan : FBR blocks sugar sales on portal, launches crackdown on social media elites
Pakistan’s sugar sector faces fresh turbulence as the FBR suspends mills’ online sugar sales, prompting PSMA warnings of shortages and price hikes. Mills argue the move unfairly favors imports and threatens competition. Simultaneously, FBR has begun auditing 100,000 affluent individuals flagged via social media for lifestyles beyond declared income.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended the sale of sugar by domestic mills through its online portal, drawing sharp criticism from the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), which warned the move could trigger shortages and fuel price hikes.
In a statement on Saturday, the PSMA said the restriction unfairly targets local producers, noting that imported sugar faces no such limitations. The association demanded that the government allow free sale of sugar by all mills to maintain market stability and ensure fair competition.
A PSMA spokesperson cautioned that if domestic mills are not permitted to sell freely, the resulting supply squeeze would inevitably push up prices, adding that the industry should not be blamed for any ensuing crisis.
At the same time, the FBR has intensified its scrutiny of wealthy individuals living beyond their declared means. Officials confirmed that a social media monitoring team has identified more than 100,000 people who flaunt luxury lifestyles online, showcasing lavish houses, expensive cars, jewellery, and extravagant weddings.
According to FBR sources, these individuals’ tax records are now under review. The department will compare last year’s returns with current filings, with as many as 80 percent of declarations expected to be audited. Those publicly displaying wealth will be required to justify their income sources through updated tax submissions.
Authorities have cautioned that individuals failing to declare higher annual income will face legal action, though those who voluntarily update their tax records in time will be spared immediate penalties.
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Source : Profit Pakistan Today
