In a significant administrative shakeup, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the transfer and appointment of 34 senior customs officers across various positions.
Among these appointments, Irfan Javed, a seasoned BS-20 officer, has been appointed as the Collector of Gwadar Customs Collectorate, marking a pivotal change in leadership in the crucial port city.
The reshuffle comes at a critical juncture as the fiscal year 2023-24 enters its third quarter, with revenue collection standing as a paramount concern for the FBR. Irfan Javed, previously serving as the Chief FBR at Headquarters in Islamabad, brings a wealth of experience to his new role in Gwadar, a port city of immense strategic importance in Pakistan’s economic landscape.
Alongside Irfan Javed’s appointment, several other key postings have been made to streamline customs administration across the country. Dr. Tahir Qureshi, a BS-20 officer from the Pakistan Customs Service, has been reassigned as the Collector of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Quetta. He will also oversee the Directorates of DNFBPs and NNDA in Quetta, in addition to his primary duties.
Engr. Riyaz Ahmed Memon, another BS-20 officer, has been transferred to the Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation, FBR, Quetta, from his previous role as Collector of the Collectorate of Customs in Gwadar. Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Memon, also a BS-20 officer, assumes the role of Chief at the FBR Headquarters in Islamabad, following his stint as Director of Intelligence & Investigation in Quetta.
Furthermore, Muhammad Ismail and Naveed Iqbal, both BS-20 officers, have been reassigned to pivotal roles in the Directorate of Transit Trade in Quetta and Gwadar, respectively. Tasleem Akhtar, currently serving as the Collector of the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement in Quetta, will also take on additional responsibilities as the Collector of the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement in Taftan.
In its announcement, the FBR emphasized that officers appointed on Own Pay Scale (OPS) would wield the powers of their higher posts as per the Customs Act, 1969. It was clarified that officers currently receiving performance allowances would continue to do so in their new postings, with the exception of those assigned to FBR Headquarters in Islamabad.
This extensive reshuffle underscores the FBR’s commitment to optimizing its operational efficiency and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms across various customs sectors. The appointment of Irfan Javed as the Collector of Gwadar Customs Collectorate signals a new chapter in the management of customs affairs in one of Pakistan’s most strategically vital regions.
With these changes in leadership and responsibilities, the FBR aims to fortify its role in facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with customs regulations, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth and development of Pakistan’s economy.
