The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a stern directive to its officials, emphasizing the strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The official order, disseminated to all tax offices, expressed concern over the lax implementation of SOPs by FBR personnel, citing a lack of seriousness in following the guidelines set by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).
The FBR, in its directive, noted a noticeable disregard for the instructions issued by the NCOC among its officials. Despite the persistent threat of a potential fourth wave, especially with the highly transmissible Delta variant posing a considerable risk, the FBR raised alarm over the officials’ lax attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures.
The directive emphasized the importance of maintaining strict compliance with SOPs to curb the spread of the virus within the FBR offices. In particular, the FBR expressed concern over the apparent discontinuation of mask-wearing practices among officials, even as COVID-19 cases continue to be reported.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the FBR urged its officials to take immediate action to rectify the non-compliance issue. With the Delta variant proving to be both highly transmissible and dangerous, the FBR stressed the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
The FBR’s directive explicitly instructed all officials to strictly abide by SOPs, including the mandatory wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the mention of the potential fourth wave of COVID-19 looming in the country.
To enforce compliance, the FBR warned of consequences for officials failing to adhere to the prescribed SOPs. The directive stated, “All officials of FBR are directed to strictly again resort to social distancing and wear face masks positively failing which they will be proceeded against under relevant rules.”
The directive comes as a proactive measure by the FBR to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission within its premises and ensure the safety of its personnel. The FBR’s commitment to following COVID-19 SOPs aligns with the broader national efforts to contain the spread of the virus and protect public health.
The FBR’s directive serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and the collective responsibility of institutions and individuals to contribute to the prevention and control of COVID-19. It is expected that the strict enforcement of SOPs within the FBR will set an example for other organizations and contribute to the overall efforts to combat the pandemic effectively.
