IR Commissioner: LTBA seeks suspension, permanent reassignment

ISLAMABAD: The Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA) has demanded the immediate suspension and permanent reassignment of a Commissioner Inland Revenue, following a court order for criminal prosecution under the Lawyers Welfare and Protection Act, 2023.

In a letter addressed to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, LTBA President Muhammad Asif Rana called the incident “deeply disturbing and unprecedented,” involving violence, intimidation, and abuse of authority against an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The LTBA said that the lawyers are officers of the court, not subordinates of FBR/Tax functionaries. Any attempt to rule by fear, force, or personal vendetta will be met with collective institutional resistance.

The demand follows a judicial order by the Sessions Judge, Lahore, directing the registration of an FIR against the Commissioner. The court, after examining the facts, found sufficient prima facie material to proceed with criminal charges.

LTBA noted that tax practitioners are required by law to interact with revenue authorities in their professional duties.

The LTBA’s demands are unambiguous, immediate suspension of the Commissioner pending criminal proceedings, permanent withdrawal from all assessment, adjudication, and enforcement roles involving lawyers, departmental disciplinary proceedings and clear policy directive barring

FBR officers accused of violence against

lawyers from field postings.

The LTBA added that continuation in office for a senior public servant facing criminal proceedings for violence and abuse of power is “wholly untenable,” particularly in positions requiring direct interaction with advocates.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026