The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated a sales tax fraud case against internationally recognized fashion designer Nomi Ansari, alleging tax evasion amounting to Rs1.25 billion.
As per media reports, an FIR was registered on April 18 in Karachi, accusing Ansari, owner of his namesake fashion brand, under Section 2(37) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. As of now, Ansari has not issued a public statement.
The FIR cites violations of multiple provisions of the Act, including Sections 3, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 11E, 22, 23, 26, and 73, in addition to potential penalties under Sections 33(2), 33(5), 33(11), and 33(13). These relate to under-declaration, improper invoicing, and non-compliance with tax payment and reporting obligations.
Three individuals — Hussain Kazmi, Syed Ali Massum Naqvi, and Imran Musel — were also named in the case.
The FBR alleges that Ansari failed to record purchases against declared taxable sales, maintained inaccurate business records, and engaged in suspicious financial activity, including undocumented foreign remittances and cash deposits.
On February 20, the FBR executed search warrants at multiple sites, including an undeclared manufacturing unit in Mehran Town, Karachi. Confiscated documents reportedly confirm substantial undeclared sales activity inconsistent with filed tax returns.
