Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday notified the functions and responsibilities of a new Directorate General Anti-Benami Initiative (DG-ABI) in a bid to tackle white-collar crimes in the country, a news source reported. Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation Director General Asim Ahmad was handed over the additional charge of the DG of the new office.
Previously, the authorities concerned had introduced the Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act 2017 to identify benami transactions and accounts. As a follow-up, the incumbent government earlier this year announced rules enforcing the act. Moreover, it repeatedly announced to initiate legal action against benami properties in the aftermath of the Assets Declaration Scheme, which expired in July.
Taking up benami properties is one of the most effective means utilised by miscreants to conceal their illegal wealth; since these outlawed practices act as a cover-up for criminal activities. The new initiative introduced by the FBR aims to beat this benami menace.
The directorate has been established under the Benami Act which details its power and functions. The jurisdiction and appointment of field authorities at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi have also been notified by the FBR.
The directorate is expected to provide assistance to the benami zones established in the three major cities mentioned above, and to act as a liaison between zones and the FBR, as well as all external agencies assisting the FBR on this front.
