Islamabad, May 21, 2024 – In a move aimed at maintaining confidentiality and ensuring the smooth preparation of the annual revenue budget for 2024-25, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a ban on the entry of visitors into its Islamabad headquarters effective immediately.
A circular issued on Tuesday outlined the new measures, highlighting the heavy engagement of senior FBR officers in the critical task of budget preparation. The circular emphasized that this step was necessary to maintain the secrecy of the budget proposals and to prevent any disruptions.
“The competent authority has decided to restrict the entry of visitors in FBR House with immediate effect to ensure the confidentiality and security of the budget preparation process,” the circular stated. Only visitors with prior appointments with the Chairman, Members, and Director Generals will be permitted entry. These appointments must be pre-approved and communicated to the reception desk.
The circular also detailed procedures to handle changes in scheduled appointments. “In case a confirmed meeting or appointment of any visitor is rescheduled or cancelled for any reason, it is the responsibility of the concerned PS/PA to inform the reception well in advance,” the directive added.
The FBR has requested all stakeholders to cooperate with the security staff and adhere strictly to these new instructions. This move underscores the importance the FBR places on the security and integrity of the budget process, given its significant impact on the country’s economic planning and fiscal policy.
The annual budget preparation is a meticulous process involving detailed financial analysis and projections. Senior FBR officials are currently engaged in extensive consultations and reviews to finalize the budgetary allocations and revenue measures for the upcoming fiscal year. The restriction on visitor entry aims to minimize distractions and potential leaks of sensitive information during this crucial period.
“The preparation of the national budget is a highly sensitive and demanding task. Ensuring a controlled environment free from unnecessary interruptions is essential for the accuracy and integrity of our work,” said a senior FBR official.
This ban reflects a broader trend of increased security and confidentiality measures around budget preparations in recent years. The FBR’s efforts to safeguard the process are seen as a positive step towards enhancing the credibility and transparency of the national budget.
As the FBR moves forward with these stringent measures, it remains committed to engaging with stakeholders through scheduled appointments and formal channels to ensure that all relevant inputs are considered in the budget-making process.
The budget for 2024-25, which is set to be unveiled next month, is eagerly awaited by various sectors of the economy, as it will outline the government’s fiscal priorities and policy directions for the coming year.