Things just get from bad to worse for Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a money-laundering and tax evasion inquiry against him.
The investigation comes just days after the global star faced widespread condemnation for a viral video depicting him physically assaulting an employee.
The FIA’s decision was prompted by revelations that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan reportedly amassed nearly Rs. 8 billion over the last 12 years from both local and international concerts. Sources within the FIA disclosed that the agency has requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to provide a comprehensive record of the singer’s assets and income tax payments over the specified period.
This recent scrutiny is not the first time Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has come under the radar of tax authorities. In the past, the FBR imposed a substantial tax liability on the artist, and his bank accounts were seized in 2017 over allegations of tax evasion.
The FIA has previously probed into income generated from Khan’s overseas concerts, and in 2021, he paid Rs. 300,000 in taxes after receiving a notice regarding his estimated income for the year 2022.
The current inquiry gained momentum after Salman Ahmed, Rahat’s former global promoter, revealed that the musician had earned around Rs. 8 billion in 12 years under his management. Salman Ahmed claims to possess concrete evidence supporting Rahat’s substantial earnings from international tours and concerts in Pakistan, exceeding $22 million and over Rs. 1.3 billion, respectively.
Salman Ahmed, in response to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s allegations of wrongdoing against his management company, expressed disappointment and vowed to provide all necessary paperwork to the FBR and the FIA.
He countered Rahat’s accusations, stating that the maestro had recently approached him to finalize upcoming tours, emphasizing the extensive business dealings they had over the past 12 years.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, during a press conference in Lahore, announced his separation from Salman Ahmed’s management and declared that his affairs would be handled by family members in the future. He also disclosed plans to merge his Pakistan company, RFAK, into NRK, managed by his wife, Nida Rahat, and other family members.
The FIA will delve into Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s financial records to ascertain the accuracy of his reported income and tax payments. As the inquiry progresses, the public awaits further details to emerge before the court.
