FBR issues show-cause notice against AHG Flavours; Baskin Robbins Pakistan operator

LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), through the Office of the Initiating Officer, Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue, Benami Zone-II Lahore, has issued a show-cause notice under Section 22(1) of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2017, in a case linked to M/s AHG Flavours (Pvt.)

Ltd., the company that operates Baskin-Robbins Pakistan. According to the official notice dated January 6, 2026, the department received a written complaint on December 1, 2025, alleging that a benami investment amounting to Rs 32.275 million was made during FY 2017–18 and that the funds were allegedly linked to the benefit of M/s AHG Flavours (Pvt.) Ltd.

The notice states that the alleged amount was routed through banking channels and deposited in the corporate banking account of AHG Flavours (Pvt.) Ltd., maintained at Bank Al Habib Limited, Block Y, Defence Branch, Lahore, as cited in the document.

Baskin-Robbins Pakistan connection: AHG Flavours is a known name in Pakistan’s food and retail sector as the company that holds the master franchise/master licensing rights of the American ice cream brand Baskin-Robbins in Pakistan, with operations across multiple cities.

Benami allegations & legal significance: Under Pakistani law, benami transactions are widely viewed as a serious financial offence and are often treated as a predicate crime for money laundering and tax evasion investigations.

Legal experts note that cases of this nature may attract attention from multiple enforcement and regulatory authorities.

Potential penalties

Experts add that if allegations in benami-related matters are established through the legal process, directors and persons responsible may face severe consequences, including imprisonment of up to five years and financial penalties/fines, depending on the final adjudication under the relevant laws.

Due process

The issuance of a show-cause notice represents the beginning of a legal process, and does not constitute a conviction. The concerned parties have the right to respond and present their explanation before further proceedings are undertaken.