ISLAMABAD, May 22, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued new instructions on Wednesday related to the budget exercise for 2024-25. The FBR announced that the budget exercise has commenced at its headquarters in Islamabad, and as a result, it has banned the entry of visitors to maintain the security and confidentiality of the process.
The FBR emphasized the importance of this move by requiring all officers at FBR HQs to display their official identity cards. This measure aims to ensure only authorized personnel have access to the premises during this critical period.
In a circular issued a day earlier, the FBR outlined new measures and highlighted the extensive engagement of senior FBR officers in the budget preparation task. The circular stressed the necessity of maintaining the secrecy of budget proposals and preventing 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. Visitors will only be allowed entry if they have prior appointments with the Chairman, Members, or Director Generals, which must be pre-approved and communicated to the reception desk.
The circular also detailed procedures to handle changes in scheduled appointments. It stated, “In case a confirmed meeting or appointment of any visitor is rescheduled or canceled for any reason, it is the responsibility of the concerned PS/PA to inform the reception well in advance.”
The FBR requested all stakeholders to cooperate with 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.
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.