Written by Hamza Shahnawaz in Taxation Islamabad High Court rules that FBR can initiate investigations without pending assessment or audit proceedings, directing officials to proceed in accordance with the law. ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed petitions filed by WATIM Dental College and WATIM Medical College, upholding the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) investigation and enforcement powers under Section 175 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. A division bench comprising Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas and Justice Shahrukh Arjumand announced the verdict on petitions challenging investigation and visit authorisations issued on December 11, 2024, and subsequent proceedings. The court ruled that investigations under Section 175 do not require any prior assessment or audit proceedings to be pending. Referring to a judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court, the bench observed that the initiation of…