Islamabad, April 28, 2024 – In a significant reshuffling that has raised eyebrows across financial and governmental sectors, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has appointed a relatively inexperienced BS-20 officer, Ms. Amna Faiz, as the new Member of Inland Revenue (IR) Policy.
This decision comes at a critical juncture with only two months remaining in the current fiscal year 2023-24.
The reshuffling involves a series of transfers and postings across key positions, including officers from BS-20 to BS-22, following a broader administrative overhaul that saw senior officers from the Pakistan Customs Service and Inland Service moving to the admin pool. Ms. Faiz, who previously served as Director of the Inland Revenue Service Academy in Lahore, steps into a pivotal role traditionally held by more senior figures. Her new position places her at the forefront of planning and formulating policies critical to the nation’s tax machinery.
The FBR’s decision has sparked debates regarding the timing and selection criteria, especially given the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the FBR’s efficiency and responsiveness. Industry experts suggest that the placement of a less seasoned officer in such a high-stakes role could have long-term implications for the FBR’s performance and its strategic objectives.
In another notable appointment, Ms. Sadia Sadaf Gillani, a BS-21 officer of the Inland Revenue Service, has been named Member (Admn/HR). Ms. Gillani, who previously held the position of Chief Commissioner at the Corporate Tax Office in Lahore, is expected to bring her extensive experience in administration to her new role during a crucial period for the FBR.
Amid these key shifts, the FBR also announced the transfer and postings of 22 senior IRS officers, underscoring a broad realignment within the organization:
• Syed Nadeem Hussain Rizvi, previously Member (Admn/HR) at FBR Headquarters in Islamabad, has been transferred to serve as the Director General of the IRS Academy in Lahore.
• Ms. Amina Hassan moves from her former role as Director General of the IRS Academy to become the Director General of the Directorate General of Anti Benami Initiative, stationed in Lahore.
• Ahmad Shuja Khan, who serves as Member (Audit / CRM) at FBR Headquarters, has been assigned additional duties as Director General of the Directorate General of IOCO.
• Muhammad Abid Raza Bodla transitions from Chief Commissioner at the Regional Tax Office in Bahawalpur to Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue at the Corporate Tax Office in Lahore.
This large-scale realignment has prompted discussions concerning the strategic direction and administrative timing of these appointments. The reshuffle occurs as the FBR is deeply involved in preparing the budget for 2024-25 and striving to meet revenue collection targets in the closing months of the fiscal year. These changes are viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity to test new leadership dynamics within the FBR at a time when robust leadership is required to navigate through the complexities of tax collection and policy reforms. The industry will be watching closely to see how these appointments impact the FBR’s ability to manage its critical functions in these demanding times.
