The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken strict disciplinary action against Raja Jahanzeb Wahid, a Superintendent (BS-16) at the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim (PMBQ), Karachi.
Following an extensive inquiry, he has been demoted to a lower post as a penalty for misconduct.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Inquiry
The case against Customs Officer Wahid began under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020, when allegations surfaced regarding his involvement in private business activities and fraudulent activities. The initial inquiry, conducted by Ms. Nosheen Riaz Khan (PCS/BS-19), found him guilty of misconduct but recommended a minor penalty. However, the competent authority determined that the offense was far more severe than initially concluded, particularly after Wahid failed to justify an unexplained amount of over Rs. 70 million in his possession.
As a result, the first inquiry was set aside, and a fresh inquiry was ordered on November 1, 2024. This time, the charges against Wahid included inefficiency, misconduct, and corruption under Rule-3(a), (b), and (c) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020. Mr. Wajid Ali (PCS/BS-19) was appointed as the new Inquiry Officer. The fresh inquiry confirmed all charges and recommended a major penalty of demotion to a lower post.
Final Decision and Penalty
On January 7, 2025, a Show Cause Notice was issued to Wahid, and he was granted a personal hearing on March 18, 2025. After reviewing all evidence, including the inquiry report, the competent authority determined that while the corruption charges lacked sufficient documentary or circumstantial evidence, Wahid was indisputably guilty of misconduct. Specifically, he had engaged in private business activities without prior authorization, violating the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
As a result, Wahid has been demoted from Superintendent Customs (BS-16) to Assistant (BS-15) for a period of two years under Rule 4(3)(b) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020. Additionally, his performance allowance has been stopped for one year, and he must reapply for it after the penalty period.
Right to Appeal
Wahid retains the right to appeal this decision within 30 days under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977. The notification has been circulated to all relevant authorities, including the FBR headquarters in Islamabad and the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement in Karachi, for necessary action.
This decision underscores the FBR’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its ranks, ensuring that civil servants adhere strictly to rules and regulations.