Customs field formations must establish a strong prima facie case and valid grounds before forwarding suspension cases to the FBR Board.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued instructions governing the suspension of officers and officials serving in Customs field formations, directing senior officials to strictly observe prescribed conditions before submitting suspension cases to the Board.
According to instructions issued by the FBR Administration/HR Wing with the approval of Member (Admn/HR), all Chief Collectors, Directors General, Collectors and Directors of the Customs Department have been directed to follow the guidelines.
The FBR said there must be a strong prima facie case against an officer or official before suspension proceedings are initiated.
It further stated that suspension should only be considered where there is a strong reason to prevent the official from continuing to perform duties until the matter is decided. Suspension should not be used merely as a routine disciplinary measure.
The instructions specifically state that no officer or official should be suspended for petty breaches of discipline or departmental offences.
The FBR has also outlined circumstances in which suspension may be considered. These include situations where an official wilfully and obstinately refuses to comply with an order, or where retaining the official in their assigned position could hamper or frustrate an ongoing enquiry.
Suspension may also be considered where an official is charged with an offence which, if proved, would ordinarily result in dismissal.
The Board further directed that where a concerned Collector of Customs intends to place an officer under suspension due to any other important factor, the matter should first be discussed with the Chief (Management/HR-Customs), FBR Headquarters, for assistance.
Following such consultation, the case may be forwarded to the Board in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
The FBR has directed all heads of Customs field formations to strictly adhere to these guidelines before submitting any case involving the suspension of an officer or official to the competent authority.
The instructions were issued by ZakA Hussain, Second Secretary, FBR Administration/HR Wing.