Islamabad, September 26, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a major penalty of dismissal from service on Muhammad Furquan Baig, Inspector-IR (BS-16), for inefficiency and misconduct. The disciplinary action was initiated after Baig’s extended and unexplained absence from duty since January 1, 2024.
According to a statement from the FBR, a charge sheet and statement of allegations were issued to Baig on February 27, 2024, under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020. Baig had reportedly failed to submit a leave application or secure prior approval from his superiors before being absent from his post at the Regional Tax Office (RTO) in Lahore. Despite multiple attempts by the FBR to reach out to him via explanation letters sent through WhatsApp and postal services, Baig did not respond and remained absent without any formal intimation.
Further investigation revealed that Baig had left Pakistan on January 25, 2024, from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore without informing the authorities or obtaining necessary clearance. His travel history was confirmed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and as of September 2024, he has not returned to Pakistan.
The FBR appointed Zubair Khan, Additional Commissioner-IR, as the inquiry officer to look into the charges against Baig. The inquiry report, submitted on June 29, 2024, confirmed that Baig was guilty of the charges and recommended the imposition of the major penalty of dismissal from service under Rule 4(3)(e) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
Following the inquiry, a show-cause notice was issued to Baig on July 11, 2024. Despite being emailed the inquiry report and show-cause notice, as well as receiving the documents through postal services, Baig did not respond. The FBR even resorted to publishing a final show-cause notice in the “Dawn” newspaper on August 23, 2024, but there was still no reply.
After reviewing the case records, inquiry report, and recommendations, the FBR’s Member (Admn/HR) found Baig guilty of inefficiency and misconduct. Consequently, the major penalty of dismissal from service was imposed, in line with the applicable disciplinary rules.
Baig has the right to appeal this decision within 30 days under the Civil Servants (Appeal) Rules, 1977, should he choose to challenge the penalty.
