Islamabad, February 2, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a major penalty of dismissal from service against Syed Zeeshan Haider, an Inspector Customs (under suspension/BS-16) at the Collectorate of Customs Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA), Lahore.
This decision comes following disciplinary proceedings initiated against Haider for his unauthorised absence from duty since June 20, 2022.
According to an office order released by the FBR, the decision to impose a major penalty was made based on an Order of Inquiry dated September 13, 2022, after Haider’s suspension. Ms. Asma Bashir (PCS/BS-19) was appointed as the Inquiry Officer to investigate the charges of “Inefficiency & Misconduct” under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
The Inquiry Officer submitted the inquiry report on August 17, 2023, establishing charges of “Inefficiency & Misconduct” against Haider under Rule 3(a)&(b) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020. The recommended major penalty of “Dismissal from Service” as per Rule 4(3)(e) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020 was based on these findings.
A show-cause notice dated August 31, 2023, was issued to Haider based on the inquiry report. Despite multiple attempts, including serving the notice through UMS and TCS courier, and a Final Show Cause Notice published in two leading national newspapers on January 2, 2024, Haider failed to furnish any reply, indicating his lack of cooperation in the proceedings.
The charge of unauthorised absence from duty since June 20, 2022, has been firmly established against Haider. Consequently, the Member (Admn/HR)/Authority, after reviewing the available records and facts of the case, has decided to impose a major penalty of “Dismissal from Service” upon Syed Zeeshan Haider, Inspector Customs (under suspension/BS-16).
Under Rule-7(c) read with Rule-16(7)(b)(ii) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020, Haider retains the right to appeal against this order to the Appellate Authority under Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977, within a period of 30 days from the date of communication of this notification.
This development underscores the importance of adherence to rules and regulations within government institutions, emphasizing accountability and discipline within the customs department. The FBR’s decisive action aims to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the customs service.
