The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated a money-laundering and tax evasion inquiry into renowned singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan following revelations of substantial earnings amounting to nearly eight billion rupees over the past 12 years from local and international concerts.
The decision by the tax authorities comes in the wake of a shocking viral video that captured Rahat Fateh Ali Khan engaging in violent behavior towards one of his employees. The footage shows the global star repeatedly beating the employee over an alleged incident involving a missing bottle of liquor, garnering widespread condemnation from millions worldwide.
Reports indicate that the FIA has formally requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to provide a comprehensive record of Rahat’s assets and income tax payments spanning the last 12 years. This move highlights the gravity of the allegations against the acclaimed musician.
This isn’t the first time Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has faced scrutiny from tax authorities, but the nature of the current allegations has escalated the situation. The FIA’s involvement was triggered by revelations from Rahat’s former global promoter, Salman Ahmed, who disclosed that the singer had earned around eight billion Rupees in the 12 years under his management.
Salman Ahmed, expressing his willingness to cooperate with the FIA and the FBR, claimed to possess concrete evidence supporting Rahat’s significant earnings through his management company. Disputing Rahat’s accusations of wrongdoing against his company, Salman Ahmed maintained that he had a legal contract with the artist and managed various aspects of his personal and professional life.
In response to the allegations, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan announced his decision to part ways with Salman Ahmed’s management company, expressing concern about payments made without his knowledge in the past. He asserted that payments should only be processed when personally approved by him.
Salman Ahmed, refuting Rahat’s claims, stated that the singer had recently engaged him to finalize a UK tour and other commitments just five days before the press conference. He highlighted the extensive business dealings over the 12-year period, including international transactions worth over $22 million and local business exceeding Rs1.2 billion.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has a history of run-ins with the FIA and the FBR over tax-related issues. In July 2022, the FBR imposed a Rs42.3 million tax liability on the artist, and in 2017, his bank accounts were seized over allegations of tax evasion. The ongoing inquiry will shed light on the intricacies of Rahat’s financial dealings, with both parties involved expressing their readiness to cooperate with authorities.
