Rebuttal About the purported flight of Dollars in April 2022 to Dubai through Karachi Airport in 245 Suitcases

Islamabad, July 30, 2022 (PPI-OT):Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has categorically rebutted the contents of the two back-to-back tweets dated 29th July 2022 made by Mr. Shaheen Sehbai on the above-captioned subject alleging that, “Credible insiders say within days after Shahbaz Sharif took office as PM, a plane with 245 suitcases full of US$ took off from Karachi to Dubai. A Customs Intel officer who reported the matter was immediately sacked, my sources have now confirmed the Customs Intel Officer who was sacked in April when he reported Flight of a private plane with 245 suitcases to Dubai is Abdul Rasheed from Sindh”.

The contents of the aforementioned tweets are unfounded and absolutely contrary to the facts. No information has been found in the official record of the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigations-Karachi nor in the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Headquarters, Islamabad that can corroborate the assertions made in the tweets of Mr. Shaheen Sehbai.

It is further clarified that Mr. Abdul Rasheed Shaikh remained DG Intelligence and Investigations-Customs for over two years and three months which is the longest tenure of a DG in the last 15 years. Furthermore, he was not sacked as claimed in the above tweets but was routinely transferred and posted as Member Customs (HQs), FBR on 7th July 2022. He relinquished his charge on 13th July i.e. three months after the purported incident of April 2022.

Moreover, Mr. Abdul Rasheed has himself rebutted the incident as alleged in the tweets stating, “I and I Karachi had never reported any such intervention to me nor do I know the person who has attached my name to the story”. In view of the foregoing facts on the ground, the baseless assertions in the subject tweets can only be termed as deplorable, coming from such an acclaimed journalist. Hence, the same is rebutted in letter and spirit.

For more information, contact:
Second Secretary (Public Relations)
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
FATE Wing, Federal Board of Revenue,
Constitution Avenue, Sector G-5,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: +92-51-9217267
Fax: +92-51-9208456
Email: mujeeb.talpur@fbr.gov.pk, talpur35@gmail.com
Website: https://www.fbr.gov.pk/