PM Calls Emergency Meeting as Proposed FBR Arrest Powers Spark National Outcry

A political and economic storm has erupted over controversial tax enforcement measures in the Finance Bill 2025, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to convene an emergency meeting with his economic team today. At the center of the firestorm: a proposal granting FBR officers warrantless arrest powers for suspected tax fraud, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment.

Key Controversial Provisions

The disputed clauses would allow:

• FBR commissioners to arrest traders/businessmen without warrants
• Freezing of bank accounts without prior notice
• Direct fund withdrawals from suspect accounts
• Stationing of tax officers at businesses with arrest authority

Who’s Raising Alarms?

• Pakistan Business Council: Warns of “destroyed business environment” in formal letter to PM
• PPP Leader Abdul Qadir Patel: “This isn’t tax collection—it’s extortion” (NA speech)
• Trader Associations: Threaten nationwide protests if measures aren’t revised

Sarcasm & Serious Concerns

Patel’s scathing NA remarks included:

• “Not even NAB or FIA have such powers; only Azrael (Angel of Death) does.”
• “They’ll arrest first, investigate later—this violates basic human rights.”

Government’s Tightrope Walk

With the June 30 budget deadline looming, the administration must:

• Address business community fears of harassment
• Balance revenue needs (tax-to-GDP ratio currently at 8.5%)
• Prevent investor flight amid economic fragility