ISLAMABAD: A female officer of the Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) has been handed a major penalty of dismissal from service by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Ms. Samra Liaqat, a Preventive Officer under suspension (BS-16) at the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Karachi, faced disciplinary proceedings for her prolonged unauthorized absence from duty since January 1, 2021. After failing to respond to a show cause notice and skipping a personal hearing, the decision was made to dismiss her from service.
READ MORE: LTO Karachi posts 24% growth in tax collection for July – April 2022-2023
The Federal Board of Revenue initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ms. Samra Liaqat, a Preventive Officer of the Pakistan Customs Service. A show cause notice was served upon her on February 14, 2023, under Rule-7 of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020, highlighting her prolonged unauthorized absence from duty since January 1, 2021. The notice was sent to her last known address, as confirmed by the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Karachi.
READ MORE: Pakistan considers expanding CVT to include all movable assets
Despite ample time given to respond to the show cause notice, Ms. Samra Liaqat did not furnish a reply or provide any intimation to the Board. Additionally, she did not attend a personal hearing scheduled for May 9, 2023. This lack of engagement and absence of communication further established the charge of unauthorized absence from duty against her.
After careful consideration of the available facts and record, the Member (Admn/HR)/Authority reviewed the case. In accordance with Rule-7(c) read with Rule-16(7)(b)(ii) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020, the decision was made to impose a major penalty of “Dismissal from Service” on Ms. Samra Liaqat, the Preventive Officer (BS-16/under suspension) at the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Karachi.
READ MORE: OICCI recommends demonetization of Rs5,000 banknote to curb cash dealings
Ms. Samra Liaqat has the right to appeal against the order within 30 days of the communication of this notification. The appeal can be made to the Appellate Authority under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977.
The dismissal of Ms. Samra Liaqat, a female officer of the Pakistan Customs Service, due to her prolonged unauthorized absence from duty emphasizes the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations governing civil servants.
READ MORE: FPCCI proposes simplification of taxation system in Budget 2023-2024
The decision by the Federal Board of Revenue reflects the commitment to maintaining discipline and efficiency within the public service. Ms. Samra Liaqat has the opportunity to exercise her right to appeal within the specified timeframe as per the applicable rules.
