FBR directs customs officers to join new place of posting immediately

FBR directs customs officers to join new place of posting immediately

ISLAMABAD — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a stern directive to customs officers, warning of departmental action if they fail to comply with their recent transfer orders.

The FBR, in a notification on Thursday, emphasized that officers transferred on February 4, 2019, must join their new postings immediately.

The FBR’s notification, numbered 0357-C-I/2019, outlined that officers affected by the transfer orders, who have not yet reported to their newly assigned duties, are relieved from their current duties with immediate effect. The directive explicitly stated that failure to join their new postings today would result in the initiation of departmental action against the non-compliant officers.

This move comes after the FBR notified the transfers and postings of 44 officers of the Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) in BS-19 and BS-20 on February 4, 2019. The FBR has expressed dissatisfaction with the reported lack of compliance among these officers, who are allegedly still performing their duties at their previous assignments.

Customs officers play a crucial role in the efficient functioning of the revenue collection and trade facilitation processes. Timely and effective transfers are often implemented to enhance operational efficiency, promote fairness, and curb any undue influence within the system.

Sources within the Pakistan Customs have revealed that a significant number of officers have not adhered to the transfer orders issued earlier this month. Some officers are reportedly attempting to influence authorities to reconsider or amend the transfer notification to allow them to remain at their current duty stations.

The FBR’s firm stance on compliance underscores the importance of maintaining discipline within the customs department and ensuring that officers follow established protocols. Non-compliance with transfer orders not only hampers the effectiveness of administrative decisions but can also contribute to perceptions of favoritism and compromise the integrity of the system.

It remains to be seen how the customs officers respond to this directive and whether the threat of departmental action prompts swift adherence to the transfer orders. The FBR’s commitment to maintaining transparency and discipline within its ranks is evident, and the enforcement of compliance will be closely monitored to assess the impact on operational efficiency and overall governance within the customs service.