Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

The recent appointment of Rashid Mahmood Langrial as the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sparked significant internal discontent, culminating in the immediate leave request by a high-ranking official. On the very day that Langrial assumed his new position, Ashhad Jawwad, the Member of Customs Operations at FBR, was granted a 100-day leave, a move that has fueled speculation about dissatisfaction within the organization.

According to the official notification, Ashhad Jawwad, a PCS/BS-21 officer currently serving as Member (Customs-Operations) at the FBR in Islamabad, has been granted 100 days of leave effective from August 15, 2024. The leave was sanctioned under Rule-5 and Rule-6 of the Revised Leave Rules, 1980. While the leave is officially noted as routine, sources within the FBR suggest that Jawwad’s decision to take an extended leave on the same day Langrial assumed office is far from coincidental.

Sources close to the matter indicate that Jawwad’s leave may be a silent protest against the appointment of a junior officer, Rashid Langrial, as the FBR Chairman. The decision has reportedly not sat well with many within the FBR, particularly among senior officers who view the appointment as a slight to their experience and tenure.

The appointment of Rashid Langrial, a DMG (District Management Group) officer, has triggered widespread resentment among senior officers of both the Pakistan Customs and Inland Revenue Service. Sources indicate that between 25 to 30 officers are senior to Langrial, raising questions about the criteria used for his selection as the head of Pakistan’s premier tax authority.

The discontent was palpable during a meeting held by the Inland Revenue Association on Thursday. The association, which represents the interests of Inland Revenue officers, convened to discuss the implications of appointing a junior officer to such a critical role within the FBR. Although the meeting concluded without an official statement, insiders suggest that the atmosphere was tense, with many officers expressing their frustration and concern over the direction in which the FBR is headed.

As the new chairman settles into his role, there are strong indications that a significant reshuffling within the FBR is imminent. Sources within the organization suggest that Langrial may soon reassign key positions to officers who are not only close to him but also junior in rank, further stoking the flames of discontent among senior FBR staff.

This potential reshuffling is seen as a move to consolidate Langrial’s influence within the organization, but it could also exacerbate existing tensions. Senior officers, many of whom have spent decades building their careers within the FBR, may find themselves sidelined in favor of younger, less experienced colleagues who are perceived to be more aligned with the new chairman’s vision.

The prospect of such changes has left many within the FBR on edge, with concerns that the restructuring could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge and expertise at a time when the FBR is grappling with significant challenges, including the need to boost tax revenue and improve compliance.

The unfolding situation within the FBR has broader implications for the organization’s stability and effectiveness. The discontent among senior officers could undermine morale, leading to a potential exodus of experienced staff. Such a development would be detrimental to the FBR’s operations, particularly as it seeks to implement key reforms and meet ambitious revenue targets.

The internal rift could also impact the FBR’s ability to present a united front in its dealings with external stakeholders, including the government, businesses, and international organizations. A divided FBR may struggle to maintain the credibility and authority needed to enforce tax laws and implement policy changes effectively.

As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Rashid Langrial’s next moves. How he manages the internal dissent and whether he can unify the FBR under his leadership will be crucial in determining the organization’s trajectory in the coming months.