Karachi, August 20, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a stern warning on Tuesday to its officers, cautioning against the use of influence to secure preferential or “choice” postings within the organization.
This directive, conveyed through an official memorandum, underscores the FBR’s growing concern over the prevalence of a culture that undermines the integrity and professional ethics of the department.
The memorandum highlighted the alarming trend of FBR officers and officials, particularly those aiming for field assignments, resorting to external influence to secure postings that are more desirable. The FBR described this behavior as a “rampant sub-culture” that poses a serious threat to the organization’s foundational values. “Such a sub-culture is eating at the very roots of the integrity of the organization,” the memorandum stated, noting that mid-level officers who engage in these practices set a damaging precedent for junior staff members who look up to them.
The FBR emphasized that leveraging influence for personal gain constitutes “misconduct” under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules of 1984 and the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules of 2020. The gravity of this offense was further underscored by the reminder that misconduct is a justifiable reason for dismissal from service. The board’s message was clear: any officer or official found guilty of such actions will face immediate suspension and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings under the relevant laws.
The FBR acknowledged that there are legitimate reasons for officers to request station changes, particularly in cases of personal hardship. The memorandum advised that such requests should be submitted with supporting documentation through the proper channels, specifically by emailing the relevant committees established for this purpose. This process is intended to ensure that all requests are handled transparently and fairly, without the need for any undue influence.
The FBR’s directive makes it clear that any attempts to bypass the established procedure for transfers or postings will be treated as misconduct, and appropriate disciplinary actions will follow. This latest move by the FBR signals a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of the organization and ensuring that all postings and transfers are conducted in a manner that is both fair and in line with established rules and regulations.
