FBR to Spend Rs180m on Computer Stationery

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The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has released its procurement plan for the fiscal year 2025–26, revealing a budget of Rs180.36 million for computer stationery, sparking public interest over government spending priorities.

The procurement document, made public on Thursday, outlines a total expenditure of Rs 560 million. The largest single allocation, nearly a third of the entire budget, is directed toward purchasing computer-related stationery.

Other notable expenses include Rs35 million for fuel used by official vehicles and Rs20 million allocated for their maintenance. Security arrangements for FBR offices are expected to cost Rs19.8 million, while Rs70 million has been set aside for hardware repairs and upgrades.

For hospitality, the FBR has earmarked Rs5 million for refreshments such as tea and biscuits served during official meetings. Additionally, Rs 10 million has been assigned for hosting foreign delegations.

Telecommunications costs are also significant, with Rs16.7 million allocated for telephone and trunk call services throughout the year.

The FBR is one of the central revenue collection agencies in Pakistan, and its internal expenditures are closely monitored by oversight bodies and the public. While procurement plans are standard for operational efficiency, the scale of some allocations, particularly for consumables and refreshments, has raised questions among observers about prioritization and cost control.

Officials at the FBR have not yet responded publicly to the breakdown or provided additional context about the procurement figures. However, the release of such documents is part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency in government spending.

With budget scrutiny becoming more frequent amid fiscal constraints, attention has turned toward administrative efficiency and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly. The FBR’s procurement details will likely be examined further by parliamentary committees and accountability forums in the coming weeks.