LAHORE, Nov 23: A sum of Rs1.25 billion has been drawn fraudulently under the pretext of sales tax refund in the collectorate of sales tax, Lahore.

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) sources said on Tuesday its chairman Abdullah Yousaf, taking serious note of illegal payment of refund, ordered a thorough probe into the matter and set up a three-member committee for the purpose.

A company, Sheikh Nooruddin & Sons, exported several consignments of tents and other items, mostly to its Dubai office. However the contents of all consignments were mis-declared and weighed much less than shown on paper.

The company, with the connivance of the sales tax officials, has so far claimed Rs1.25 billion over and above the actual refund due to them. The evasion of customs duty and duty drawback so far claimed by the company in the collectorate of customs, Lahore, is also being determined.

The committee has been directed to fix the responsibility and find concrete evidence against the officials allegedly involved in this racket. All collectors and subordinate staff on duty in the collectorate of sale tax and customs during this period will be questioned. -APP