Islamabad, November 11, 2024 – The Inland Revenue Service Officers Association (IRSOA) has issued a stern condemnation regarding the unlawful detention of a team from the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Karachi, led by Assistant Commissioner (IR) Rai Hamza Ahmed. The incident, which occurred at a private wedding hall, saw the officers and their staff detained for over four hours while they were performing their official duties.
The IRSOA has called this egregious act a direct affront to the rule of law, underscoring the growing concerns over the safety and efficiency of tax enforcement personnel in Pakistan. The officers, who were engaged in their legally sanctioned work, were obstructed by the management and staff of the wedding hall, which is believed to have been involved in non-compliant activities. This interference not only hindered vital administrative operations but also posed significant risks to the safety of IRS personnel.
“This shocking incident highlights the precarious situation in which our officers operate daily,” said a spokesperson for IRSOA. “It is an undeniable reminder of the increasing dangers faced by IRS personnel while executing their responsibilities.” The association has consistently called for enhanced protection and resources for tax enforcement units, which it insists are crucial for the effective execution of duties.
In light of the incident, the IRSOA reiterated its demand for a robust restructuring of the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN), which was established via SRO 250(I)/2019. While IREN has made substantial strides, particularly considering its limited resources, the association stresses that it must be empowered as a fully equipped and independent force capable of safeguarding the rights and safety of its officers.
The IRSOA further proposed the establishment of dedicated enforcement Squads/Units at each RTO level to bolster the agency’s operational effectiveness and to address the alarming enforcement gap, currently estimated at a staggering four trillion rupees.
“The lack of swift and adequate action in this matter is deeply troubling,” the IRSOA stated. “We call upon relevant authorities to not only hold those responsible for this unlawful detention accountable but also to take concrete measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.”
The association has also expressed its resolute support for the affected officers, assuring that it is in active discussions with senior officials at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to ensure a prompt and just resolution. As of now, the IRSOA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting its members and safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s tax system.
