Karachi, October 26, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has appointed Wajid Ali, a senior BS-21 officer from the Pakistan Customs Service (PCS), as the new Member of Customs Policy.
This high-level appointment aligns with FBR’s ongoing efforts to reform and modernize Pakistan’s customs and taxation framework, signaling a strategic shift in leadership to drive enhanced policy initiatives.
The notification released by the FBR outlined that Wajid Ali would transition from his previous role as Director General of the Directorate General of Transit Trade in Karachi to assume the critical role of Member Customs Policy. Ali’s vast experience in customs management and his recent responsibilities in transit trade position him well to contribute meaningfully to policy development. This new role entrusts him with the responsibility of shaping strategic customs policies and advancing FBR’s broader reform agenda, which aims to streamline customs operations and improve efficiencies for both local and international stakeholders.
In parallel, Muhammad Mohsin Rafiq, a BS-20 officer currently serving as Chief Collector of Customs, Appraisement (South) at the Custom House in Karachi, has been assigned the additional role of overseeing the Directorate General of Transit Trade. Rafiq’s oversight will continue until a permanent director general is appointed, ensuring continuity and stability in the Directorate’s operations amid this transition.
FBR insiders reveal that these strategic appointments reflect a broader transformation initiative within the customs framework. In recent months, the FBR has undertaken sweeping changes aimed at modernizing the jurisdiction of customs stations, redistributing responsibilities, and optimizing the roles of customs officers across the country. Notably, the board has also implemented reforms aimed at reducing the discretionary powers of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation within Customs. This move intends to create a more balanced approach to tax collection and customs oversight, reducing the potential for misuse of authority and enhancing taxpayer facilitation.
The FBR’s leadership anticipates significant contributions from Wajid Ali in executing these reforms, particularly given his extensive background in customs policy and trade facilitation. His expertise is expected to drive innovations within the Pakistan Customs framework, aiding in the overall goal of transforming the customs operations to be more effective and transparent.