ISLAMABAD: Following the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) punitive action of Wednesday, Jazz management on Thursday moved Islamabad High Court (IHC) for immediate remedy and de-sealing of its head office in Islamabad.
FBR had taken extreme position against Jazz and sealed its head office in F-8 markaz in Islamabad on October 28, 2020 for defaulting.on its tax liabilities amounting to Rs 25.39 billion.
The tax authority had served a notice to Jazz Principal Officer/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Amir Hafeez Ibrahim, under section 38 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and section 48 of the Sales Tax Ordinance 1990. FBR laws invoked against Jazz carry harsh penalties and severe punishment to the defaulting firms , besides empowering the tax authority to seal the premises of defaulter firms.
Moblink…mother Telco of Jazz, was the first global Telco to enter in Pakistan’s cellular market in early 90s. It enjoyed monopolistic position in Pakistan for over one decade .
Moblink served as a catalyst to bring direct investment of billions of dollars in Pakistan over the years.
Aisha Serweri, spokesperson of Jazz, was when approached by NEWSMAN for her reaction over sealing of Jazz head office in Islamabad said “Jazz is a law-abiding and responsible corporate citizen. Our contribution to Pakistan’s economy over the past 25 years is significant.
We have received a notice from FBR this afternoon. Jazz has made tax submissions based on legal interpretations of the tax owed. We will review and take measures under our legal obligations and will collaborate with all concerned institutions for an early resolution of this issue”.