ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into the collection of “illegal” federal excise duty of Rs50,000 from passengers at the airports.

“It should be investigated as to how the excise duty was collected from the passengers without the approval of the cabinet,” he said in a statement.

He expressed strong displeasure at the collection of taxes. The premier said the “illegal order” to collect federal excise duty at the airports should be revoked and the practice of causing trouble to the passengers should be discontinued.

PM Shehbaz instructed the finance minister that after an immediate inquiry, strict action under the law should be taken against those responsible for the illegal act.

“Those who inflicted suffering on the passengers have no right to hold their posts,” he said and asked the finance minister to return the money to the passengers from whom federal excise duty was collected.

He called for immediate implementation of his orders and submission of the report after action against the persons responsible.