The federal government has announced the appointment of new leadership for the Benami Adjudicating Authority in Islamabad, aiming to reinforce Pakistan’s crackdown on undisclosed assets and property fraud.
According to the official notification issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the federal cabinet approved the appointments under Case No. 694/Rule-19/2025/919, dated October 3, 2025. The appointments will remain effective for three years or until the officials reach the age of 62, whichever comes first.
Seasoned Bureaucrats Take Charge
The government has appointed Waqar Ahmad, a retired BS-22 officer, as the Chairperson and Member of the Benami Adjudicating Authority. Alongside him, Zahoor Ahmad, also a retired BS-22 officer, and Abdul Majid Yousfani, a retired PCS/BS-21 officer, have been selected as Members of the Authority.
Each of these officials brings decades of administrative experience in governance, finance, and public sector management. Their combined expertise is expected to boost the credibility and operational efficiency of the Authority, which has faced challenges in enforcing anti-benami laws in the past.
Strengthening Enforcement Against Hidden Transactions
Government sources indicated that the move aligns with Islamabad’s broader strategy to tighten oversight on benami transactions, which often involve undisclosed ownership of properties or financial assets held in another person’s name to conceal real ownership.
The Benami Adjudicating Authority, established under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, plays a pivotal role in investigating, adjudicating, and penalizing illegal property holdings. It also ensures compliance with regulations aimed at curbing money laundering and improving financial transparency.
Officials believe that renewed leadership will invigorate enforcement measures and ensure faster resolution of pending benami cases. This initiative also aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to meet global financial transparency standards, especially under frameworks like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
A Step Toward Greater Accountability
The government’s decision to appoint experienced bureaucrats is seen as a step toward enhancing institutional accountability. Authorities emphasized that these appointments are not merely administrative reshuffles but part of a targeted governance reform agenda aimed at restoring trust in regulatory institutions.
Observers expect the new leadership to focus on digital monitoring systems, inter-agency coordination, and improved adjudication timelines to ensure transparency in property ownership and wealth declaration.
As Pakistan continues its drive toward economic stability and financial integrity, the revitalization of the Benami Adjudicating Authority marks a significant milestone in the government’s anti-corruption framework.
