The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified its crackdown on tax evasion by filing a first information report (FIR) against internationally renowned fashion designer Nomi Ansari for allegedly committing a sales tax fraud worth Rs1.25 billion.

According to sources, the Corporate Tax Office (CTO) Karachi lodged the FIR against Ansari following an initial investigation that found substantial evidence of tax fraud. Authorities are reportedly expecting his arrest upon his return to Pakistan, after which he will be presented before the Customs and Taxation Court.

FBR officials conducted raids on Ansari’s factory and major outlets located in Mehran Town, Korangi, and DHA after obtaining search warrants from a magistrate. Records and relevant documents were seized during these operations.

This is not the first action taken against the designer. In February this year, the CTO Karachi had sealed Ansari’s factory and several outlets for violating sales tax regulations and failing to comply with point-of-sale (POS) integration requirements.

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A formal tax demand order has now been issued against him. The FBR stated that the crackdown is part of broader enforcement directives issued to field formations across the country.