Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a stern warning to officials and officers, cautioning them against exerting political pressure in service matters and threatening them with dire consequences, including potential retirement.
In an official memorandum, the FBR directed all officials of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) and Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) to refrain from engaging in any form of political or external pressure related to posting, transfers, deputations, and other service matters.
Expressing serious concern over reports of certain officers resorting to political or external pressures on top management, the FBR reiterated that such actions constitute misconduct under the Government Servant (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and Government Rule 2(I)(k) of Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020. The memorandum emphasized that such behavior would result in disciplinary action under the relevant rules.
Furthermore, the FBR underscored that such conduct is deemed unbecoming of a civil servant under Rule 5(e) of the Directory Retirement Rules, 2020, and could serve as grounds for the directory retirement of civil servants.
“In future, all such cases shall be placed before the DRB/DRC for consideration,” the FBR stated, emphasizing its commitment to addressing such misconduct. Additionally, the memorandum highlighted that officers engaging in such behavior would be marked immediately, with necessary observations placed in their personal dossiers for future reference.
The FBR’s directive comes amidst growing concerns over the influence of political pressures in bureaucratic affairs, particularly within revenue-generating agencies. By issuing this warning, the FBR aims to uphold the integrity and impartiality of its operations while ensuring that service matters are handled with professionalism and fairness.
The memorandum serves as a reminder to all FBR officials of their obligation to adhere to ethical standards and avoid any actions that could compromise the organization’s integrity or impartiality. By taking a firm stance against political interference, the FBR seeks to maintain public trust and confidence in its operations, ultimately contributing to effective governance and administration.
In conclusion, the FBR’s warning against political pressure underscores its commitment to upholding principles of transparency and accountability within the civil service. By emphasizing the consequences of such misconduct, the FBR aims to deter officials from engaging in activities that undermine the integrity of the organization and its mandate.