The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has begun distributing brand-new Honda City cars to tax officers, a move that has drawn mixed reactions.

According to reports, dozens of vehicles have already arrived at the FBR’s Karachi headquarters, with plans to procure 1,010 cars at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 billion. An initial payment of Rs. 3 billion was made earlier this year, securing the first batch of 500 vehicles.

FBR states that the cars are meant to enhance mobility for tax enforcement officers, particularly those in grade 17 and 18 field positions. Higher-ranking officers are not included in the allocation. The vehicles will remain office assets, marked with official FBR stickers to prevent personal use.

Despite these assurances, the procurement has faced public and parliamentary criticism, with many questioning the necessity of such a large-scale purchase amid economic challenges.

FBR previously issued a clarification to a parliamentary committee, defending the decision as a strategic investment in tax enforcement. However, concerns over government spending priorities continue to fuel debate.