Islamabad, April 27, 2024 – In a significant move within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Ashhad Jawwad, a seasoned BS-21 officer of the Pakistan Customs Service (PCS), has been appointed as the new Member for Customs Operations.
This crucial role is pivotal for overseeing and safeguarding revenue associated with foreign trade.
The appointment was part of a broader reshuffle announced through a notification on April 26, 2024, which detailed transfers and postings across 14 senior positions within the PCS, spanning grades BS-20 to BS-22. This major administrative adjustment comes shortly after a number of senior officers were reassigned to the admin pool, indicating a strategic overhaul at the FBR aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies and compliance.
Ashhad Jawwad, moving from his former role as Director General of the Customs Academy of Pakistan (CAP) in Karachi, is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a robust approach to his new position at FBR headquarters in Islamabad. His leadership comes at a critical time when the FBR is intensifying efforts to streamline operations and boost revenue collections from customs duties and taxes on international trade.
Among other notable transfers, Faiz Ahmad, a BS-22 officer, has been appointed as the new Director General of CAP, Karachi. This position remains specially upgraded and is tailored personally for him for the duration of his tenure. Previously, Ahmad served as Director General of the Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation at the FBR in Islamabad.
Additionally, Muhammad Sadiq, formerly the Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement in Punjab, has taken over as Director General of the Directorate General of Customs Valuation in Karachi. This role is critical for determining the correct valuation of goods, which directly affects the customs revenue.
Abdul Qadir Memon has been moved from his role as Chief Collector of Customs in Balochistan to become the Director General of the Directorate General of IPR (Enforcement) in Islamabad. His experience will be pivotal in enhancing the enforcement of intellectual property rights, protecting against counterfeit and pirated goods that affect both revenue and market integrity.
These reshuffles have sparked extensive discussions within the FBR, particularly concerning their timing and potential impact on revenue collection during the crucial final two months of the current fiscal year. Stakeholders are keenly observing how these changes will affect operations and policy implementation, particularly in areas critical to economic security and trade regulation.
The strategic deployment of these high-ranking officers is seen as part of a broader effort by the FBR to optimize its resource management and response to evolving challenges in customs operations and international trade. With these appointments, the FBR aims to bolster its capabilities in crucial areas such as trade facilitation, revenue protection, and the enforcement of trade regulations.
As the fiscal year approaches its close, the effectiveness of these administrative changes will likely be reflected in the FBR’s ability to meet or exceed its revenue targets, a perennial challenge for the organization amidst a complex global economic landscape.
