FBR to Punish Tax Officials Seeking Postings of Their Choice Through Pressure Tactics

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood has directed all heads of field formations to certify/endorse action against tax officials, trying to exert pressure for seeking choice postings in field formations. In this regard, the FBR issued instructions to the heads of the field formations on Monday. Refer to the instructions issued by the Secretary Revenue  Division/chairman, FBR on the said subject and say that it may be ensured that instructions conveyed by aforesaid letter are duly received and acknowledged by each officer/official/ staff (BS- I & above) working under your respective jurisdiction. Following Certificate, duly signed by all  Directors General/Chief Commissioners IR/Chief Collectors Customs should reach FBR latest by October 1, 2024, positively: “Certified that the instructions of the Secretary Revenue Division/Chairman, FBR have been duly received and acknowledged by each officer/official/staff (BS-I & above) working in the respective field formations”, FBR said. The FBR has observed with grave concern that there is a rampant sub-culture of using extraneous influence for “choice postings” by the officers/officials of FBR, particularly, those seeking field assignments. Moreover, mid-level officers seeking choice postings through their influence/network are creating a poor model of career choices for junior officers. Use of extraneous influence constitutes “misconduct” under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020. “Misconduct is a valid ground for” “Removal from Service”. Reference e is also made to Rule 19 & 29 of Conduct Rules, 1964, instructions at serial numbers 14.3, 14.4 & 14.5 of ESTACODE, and Rule 2 (1) (k) of E&D Rules, 2020. “It may be noted that in future any such act will result in immediate suspension of the concerned officer/official and shall lead to initiation of disciplinary proceedings under the relevant law/ rules”, FBR chairman added.