2 min read
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 20 individuals involved in a massive stamp paper scam, uncovering the illegal issuance of government stamp papers through fake treasury receipts. The scandal, which includes officers from the Federal Treasury Office and private vendors, has caused confirmed losses of Rs. 296.49 million, with potential total damages reaching billions.
FIA Islamabad confirmed that an FIR has been registered against 71 suspects, revealing loopholes in the treasury system that allowed fake TR-32 challans to circulate undetected for years. Officials stated,
“The lack of a digital verification system enabled the manipulation, allowing the issuance of stamp papers without depositing fees into the federal treasury.”
A high level inquiry committee has been formed to probe the scam, with a report expected within a month. The investigation could uncover one of the largest revenue frauds in Pakistan’s history, highlighting the urgent need for system modernization and real time verification mechanisms.
