Arshad Nadeem: Tax On Cash Rewards For Pakistan's Olympics Champion? PAK FBR Responds
Arshad Nadeem's remarkable performance brought glory to Pakistan and led to an outpouring of support from both the government and private organizations. As a result, he received significant cash rewards from various sources, including the government, sports bodies, and sponsors, totalling approximately near to 153 million. This generosity, however, raised questions and rumours on social media suggesting taxation on prize money received by the Olympian.However, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has swiftly quashed these speculations, issuing a clear statement that Nadeem's prize money is entirely exempt from taxation.Shortly after Nadeem won the gold medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics and broke the men's javelin Olympic record, he received generous rewards from prominent figures. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a reward of Rs100 million for Nadeem, while Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab offered a prize of Rs50 million. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also pledged Rs2 million for the 27-year-old athlete.Renowned Pakistani singer Ali Zafar announced a reward of PKR 1 million, while former cricketer Ahmad Shahzad also guaranteed a similar prize through his foundation. Nadeem will also be recommended by the government to receive the Hilal-i-Imtiaz award. Additionally, Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani will be gifting the javelin champion a brand new Alto car as soon as Nadeem returns to his home country from Paris.There are also reports of him getting atleast 3 cars, free lifetime fuel, a luxurious apartment in Karachi, a house with utilities paid for life in Lahore and another plot for himself."Rumours of taxing national hero [Arshad] Nadeem's prize money are baseless. No tax will be charged on the prize money received by him," FBR spokesperson Bakhtiar Muhammad was quoted as saying in a statement by geo tv on Saturday, adding that neither withholding nor income tax is applicable to his prize money.Not to forget, his father-in-law gifted him a buffalo. While most people might opt for luxury cars or extravagant vacations to reward a champion, Nadeem's father-in-law has taken a more traditional approach.The gift comes as Nadeem is being showered with praise and rewards from various quarters, including the government and sports organizations, who recognize his outstanding achievement on the international stage. His remarkable performance has not only brought pride to Pakistan but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country.The decision to gift a buffalo may seem unusual to some, but in many rural communities in Pakistan, livestock holds significant value. Buffalos are considered a symbol of prosperity and strength, and they can also provide an additional source of income through milk and other products.Nadeem's father-in-law, Muhammad Nawaz, told the local media in Nadeem's village on Sunday that gifting a buffalo is considered "very valuable" and "honourable" in their village, and it goes well with the rural upbringing and tradition.
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