Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Mahmood, has directed all heads of field formations to certify and endorse actions against tax officials who attempt to exert pressure to secure preferred postings within field formations. The FBR issued these instructions to the heads of field formations on Monday.

The directive emphasizes that the instructions from the Secretary Revenue Division and Chairman of the FBR must be received and acknowledged by every officer, official, and staff member (BS-I and above) within their respective jurisdictions.

A certification, signed by all Directors General, Chief Commissioners of Inland Revenue, and Chief Collectors of Customs, must be submitted to the FBR by October 1, 2024. The certification should confirm that the instructions have been duly received and acknowledged by all relevant personnel.

The FBR has expressed serious concern over the prevalent sub-culture of using external influence to secure “choice postings” among its officers and officials, particularly those seeking field assignments. This practice is seen as setting a poor example for junior officers and undermining the integrity of career progression within the organization.

The use of extraneous influence is classified as “misconduct” under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. Such misconduct is a valid ground for “Removal from Service.” The FBR referenced Rule 19 and 29 of the Conduct Rules, 1964, instructions at serial numbers 14.3, 14.4, and 14.5 of ESTACODE, and Rule 2 (1) (k) of the E&D Rules, 2020.

Chairman Rashid Mahmood warned that any future instances of such behavior would result in the immediate suspension of the concerned officer or official and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings under the relevant laws and rules.