The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expressed serious concern over an increasing trend of senior officials, particularly Chief Commissioners of Inland Revenue (IR) and Chief Collectors of Pakistan Customs, leaving their designated stations without obtaining prior approval from the concerned authorities.
In a statement issued recently, the FBR emphasized that such actions constitute “misconduct” under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020, and are a direct violation of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
This stern reminder from the FBR underscores the necessity for adherence to regulatory protocols and upholding the standards of discipline expected from high-ranking public officials. The FBR reiterated that the departure of officials without formal approval disrupts the organizational workflow and hampers effective governance, particularly in the crucial domains of tax collection and customs regulation. These officials, occupying critical positions in the government’s revenue machinery, are expected to lead by example and demonstrate unwavering compliance with the rules governing their conduct.
To curb this recurring practice, the FBR has mandated that all Chief Commissioners-IR and Chief Collectors of Customs must obtain prior written approval from the concerned Member (Operations) before leaving their stations of posting for any reason, including official tours and meetings. This directive is designed to ensure transparency and accountability, reinforcing the principle that senior officers must remain accountable for their whereabouts, even during official duties.
In addition, the FBR’s directive also extends to Commissioners-IR and Collectors of Customs. They, too, are required to secure station leave approval from the relevant Member (Operations) prior to any departure from their designated posts. The FBR emphasized that this requirement applies uniformly, whether the absence is related to official work or personal reasons.
The regulatory body has expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of adherence to these protocols in recent times, which it views as detrimental to maintaining discipline and efficiency within the institution. The FBR’s message serves as a clear warning that any deviation from these rules will be considered a serious breach of conduct and could result in disciplinary action under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
By taking this strong stance, the FBR aims to restore rigor in the administration of its operations, ensuring that its leadership remains committed to upholding the integrity of Pakistan’s revenue collection and customs processes. This measure seeks to reinforce a culture of accountability and discipline across the board, essential for the smooth functioning of one of the country’s most critical financial institutions.