Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against 93 tax officials, comprising both the Inland Revenue Service and the Pakistan Customs Service, on charges of misconduct and corruption. While the FBR has not provided specific details about the officials dismissed following the confirmation of charges, it has taken significant steps to address corruption within its ranks.
Various political regimes in the past consistently urged the FBR to adhere strictly to the instructions outlined in the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, for the initiation of disciplinary proceedings and inquiries against corrupt tax officials.
According to the FBR’s data, disciplinary action has been taken against 11 senior tax officials falling within the BS-19-22 grade during the mentioned fiscal year. Additionally, 20 tax officials in the BS-17 to 18 grade and 62 officers of Grade-16 faced disciplinary actions during the same period.
In its commitment to combat corruption, the FBR established a dedicated section titled “Discipline/Inquiries” to ensure the timely completion of all disciplinary cases and inquiries against tax officials involved in corrupt practices in the field formations.
The FBR emphasized that the Revenue Division/FBR must strictly adhere to specified instructions in all disciplinary proceedings and inquiries against officials. This includes conducting inquiry proceedings in accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 10 read with Rule 12 of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020. The appointed inquiry officer is mandated to complete the proceedings within sixty (60) days from the date of the Inquiry Order, or within any extended period allowed by the Authority.
To ensure the safe custody of inquiry records, all heads of field offices within the FBR, including Directors General, Chief Commissioners, Chief Collectors, Commissioners, and Collectors, must retain relevant case records securely. These records are to be forwarded along with recommendations to initiate disciplinary proceedings against any officer(s)/official(s). Furthermore, timely provision of relevant case records and related documents to the inquiry officer or the inquiry committee is mandated within seven days from the date of the inquiry order or within any extended period authorized by the authority, as per Rule 8 of the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.
