Islamabad, June 5, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued strict directives rejecting all leave applications submitted by officials of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS), as the government prepares to present the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
In a circular released on Thursday, the FBR clearly instructed all heads of field formations within the IRS to disallow casual leave requests that coincide with or fall near the Eid-ul-Adha holidays. The FBR emphasized that no officer or official should be absent from duty on June 10, 2025, the day when the national budget is scheduled to be presented in Parliament.
The FBR’s decision comes as the government has already announced four public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha, from June 6 to June 9. As June 10 follows immediately after the holidays, the tax authority is taking preemptive steps to avoid any disruption in budget-related operations and ensure complete staff availability.
“This is a critical time for the FBR, and uninterrupted operations are essential for the successful handling of all tasks related to the budget,” the circular stated. The FBR noted that leave during this crucial period would not only affect workflow but could also hinder coordination between key tax departments and the Ministry of Finance.
Each year, the FBR issues similar instructions to restrict leave applications during the budget cycle. However, this year the overlap with Eid holidays has heightened the sensitivity of the situation. Many tax officers, especially those working in cities away from their hometowns, had submitted leave applications hoping to extend their Eid break to spend more time with family.
Officials based in Karachi and other major cities have expressed frustration with the blanket ban. They argue that leave refusals should be limited only to those officers directly involved in preparing or presenting the budget. Others should be allowed to observe Eid with their families.
Despite the discontent, the FBR stands firm on its decision, stating that all leave applications have been rejected without exception in the interest of maintaining full functionality during this vital fiscal period.