Lahore, April 29, 2026 — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against gold jewelers in Lahore after its officials faced resistance during a tax monitoring drive in the city’s major bullion markets. According to official details, the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Lahore initiated monitoring of gold stock under Section 175 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. The exercise was carried out in prominent jewelry markets to ensure compliance with tax regulations. However, the situation escalated when traders allegedly obstructed the FBR team from conducting the inspection. The tax officials also reported harassment, prompting the RTO Lahore to register an FIR against the involved jewelers. Traders Reject FBR Action Reacting strongly, Qasim Shikarpuri, President of the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewelers Association, condemned the move and termed it an anti-business action. He argued that the filing of an FIR against traders would further strain relations between the business community and tax authorities. The association has consistently opposed the enforcement of Section 175, maintaining that allowing tax officials to enter business premises raises serious privacy…