The Controversial Rise of a Bureaucrat

Rashid Mahmood Langrial, a Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer of the 23rd Common Training Programme, was appointed Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in August 2024 under Section 10 of the Civil Servants Act. His appointment raised eyebrows across bureaucratic circles, as Langrial – a BPS-21 officer with no prior experience in tax administration – was elevated over more qualified candidates from within the FBR’s own ranks.

Multiple sources within the FBR confirm that dozens of experienced officers from the Inland Revenue Service and Customs were sidelined or forced into the “surplus pool” to accommodate Langrial’s controversial appointment.

The Shehbaz Sharif Connection

Sources claim that Shahid Mehmood Langrial, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), takes direct instructions from Salman Shehbaz, son of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on critical tax matters. Both father and son have faced criminal charges.

Shehbaz Sharif was arrested on money laundering charges in September 2020, before later becoming Prime Minister. Shehbaz and his other son, Hamza Shehbaz, were charged in a Rs. 16 billion corruption case. Salman Shehbaz was also declared a proclaimed offender in 2019 for money laundering and assets beyond known means.

However, after Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister—reportedly as part of a deal with the military—all cases against him and his sons were dropped. Ironically, two key figures in the money laundering case—Dr. Rizwan (a senior officer of the Police Service of Pakistan) and Maqsood Chaprasi (a material witness)—died under mysterious circumstances in Lahore and UAE, respectively.

Sources within the FBR, speaking to the scribe on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Chairman FBR Shahid Mehmood Langrial follows Salman Shehbaz’s direct orders, leading to billions in profits for the Prime Minister and his sons’ business empire

Well-placed government sources reveal that Langrial’s career has been closely intertwined with the Sharif family’s political fortunes. He has held several lucrative posts during PML-N tenures.

Before his FBR appointment facilitated by the Sharif family, Langrial held multiple high-profile positions, including:

• Commissioner Lahore Division
• Secretary Agriculture Punjab
• CEO of National Power Parks Management Company (NPPMCL)
• Chairperson Lahore Ring Road Authority

A Trail of Scandals

Langrial’s tenure as Power Division Secretary (2022-2023) remains particularly controversial. The Senate Standing Committee on Power formally accused him of corruption in the award of an $800 million contract to German firm GOPA Intec for the Dasu-Islamabad transmission line. Intelligence reports seen by our investigation team suggest Langrial’s involvement in multiple power sector scams, though no action was ever taken.
FBR in Crisis-Mismanagement & Declining Revenue Collection

Since taking charge, Langrial has reportedly:

1. Artificially inflated revenue figures by coercing advance tax payments from banks and multinationals
2. Created a “Lahori Group” of favoured officers while marginalizing others
3. Engaged in abusive behavior toward senior IRS and Customs officers

“The FBR has never been more politicized,” lamented one 25-year veteran of the Revenue Service. “We’re being run like a private fiefdom.”

Involvement in Solar Scandal & Vehicle Procurement Scam

Langrial is said to be a central figure in the recently exposed Solar scandal. Additionally, he faces allegations of corruption in an FBR vehicle procurement deal worth 6 billion rupees, where he reportedly favoured a single company, receiving a 500 million rupee commission while sidelining competitors.

Nepotism Norm-Promotion Amid Controversies
Despite these allegations, Langrial was reportedly fast-tracked for promotion to BPS-22 on “special instructions,” bypassing standard procedural checks.

Favouritism & Abuse of Power

Langrial is accused of promoting a “Lahori Group” within FBR—a clique of officers allegedly receiving preferential treatment at the expense of officers from other provinces. These bureaucrats, known as the N Group within Punjab’s bureaucracy, have played a key role in facilitating the rise of the Sharif Family. Langrial has reportedly boasted of wielding more influence than even the Army Chief.

Intimidation & Manipulation of Intelligence Reports

Officials claim Langrial has manipulated input from intelligence agencies (ISI & IB) to discredit officers outside his inner circle. Junior FBR officers are reportedly planning strikes against his “abusive behaviour and illegal orders.”

Conclusion

The allegations against Rashid Mahmood Langrial raise serious concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability within Pakistan’s federal institutions. Given the gravity of the claims—ranging from financial misconduct to intimidation—there is growing demand for an independent investigation.

Mr. Langrial was contacted multiple times for a response but did not reply. The FBR was also informed about this impending article, and details of the allegations were shared with the Chairman FBR’s office, who likewise did not respond.