FBR directs field force chiefs: Officers using influence for ‘choice postings’ must be removed

ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed all heads of the field formations to ensure imposition of major penalty of ‘removal from service’ on both customs and Inland Revenue officials (BS-17 and above) using extraneous influence for choice postings in field formations.

In this regard, the FBR has issued instructions to all Members of FBR (HQ); all Chief Collectors/Director Generals (Customs) and all Chief Commissioners/ Director Generals (Inland Revenue) on Wednesday.

According to the FBR’s instructions, refer to FBR’s Circular, whereby Board had categorically communicated to all FBR officers/officials to avoid using extraneous influence for “choice postings” as it constitutes “misconduct” under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020, and that it constitutes valid ground for “Removal from Service”. After issuance of the circular, two officers (one BS-18 & one BS-19) were suspended for violation of said directions.

At the time of issuance of the afore-mentioned Circular; many officers of FBR were posted in other Ministries/Departments on deputation and might be unaware of said circular. Therefore it is considered important to reproduce the already circulated instructions as under:

“There is a rampant sub-culture of using extraneous influence for ‘choice postings’ by the officers/officials of FBR, particularly those seeking field assignments. Such sub-culture is eating at the very roots of integrity of the organization. Moreover, mid-level officers seeking choice postings through their influence/network are creating a poor model of career choices for junior officers.

The use of extraneous influence constitutes “misconduct” under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020. “Misconduct” is a valid ground for “Removal from Service”. Reference is also made to Rule 19 & 29 of Conduct Rules, 1964, instructions at S.No. 14.3, 14.4 & 14.5 of ESTACODE, and Rule 2(1)(k) of E&D Rules, 2020.

It may be noted that in future any such act will result in immediate suspension of the concerned officer/official and shall lead to initiation of disciplinary proceedings under the relevant law/rules.

However, FBR recognizes genuine needs of the officers/officials for ‘station change requests’ in case of hardships. Such requests along with supporting documentary evidence may be emailed at the following email addresses for consideration of the Committees constituted for this purpose.

If any officer/official uses any mean or mode for seeking transfer/posting, other than the one mentioned above, it shall be deemed a ‘misconduct’ on the part of the officer/official and consequential action shall follow.”

Accordingly, all heads of field formations may ensure that the above instruction each every officer/official under their administrative control and acknowledgement of receipt of said instructions may also be furnished to the Board, the FBR added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025.