FBR chief warns officials against use of influence for posting

ISLAMABAD: Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial Tuesday barred the officers from using ‘extraneous influence’ for choice postings and warned that it would be considered “misconduct”.

In an official letter — titled “Use of Extraneous Influence by Officers/Officials of FBR in Administrative Matters,” and shared with all relevant officials, the chairman said it had been observed with grave concern that there was 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 into the very roots of the 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.

“It is pertinent to mention that 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’. I’d also like to point out that reference is also made to Rules 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. 3. It may be noted that in future, any such act will result in immediate suspension of the officer/official concerned and will lead to disciplinary proceedings under the relevant law/rules.

“However, the FBR recognizes the 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:- BS-17 and above officers of IRS/PCS: BS-1-16 of IR field offices and FBR (HQ): BS-1-16 of Customs field offices, they can approach memberadmin@fbr.gov.pk, chiefmanagement@fbr.gov.pk and chiefmgt.customs@fbr.gov.pk

“If any officer/official uses any mean or mode for seeking transfer/posting, other than the one mentioned at para-4 above, it shall be deemed ‘misconduct” on the part of the officer/official and consequential action shall follow.“

The letter was also shared with the PM Office, secretary Cabinet Division, secretary Establishment Division, all members of FBR (HQ), Islamabad, all chief collectors/ director generals (customs) and all chief commissioners/ director generals (Inland Revenue).

In another two circulars for IRS and Customs groups, the FBR states that in order to bring efficiency and to improve discipline in operations of Inland Revenue (IR) Field Formations, the secretary Revenue Division/ chairman FBR desired the following.

i) That the postings/transfers of the operational staff (BS 01-16) in the IR field formations/directorate generals shall be ordered after prior requisition of the concerned assistant/ deputy commissioner-ir /assistant/deputy director under whom the staff is to be posted.

ii) If the assistant/deputy commissioner-IR /assistant/deputy director deems that the services of any staff are no more required in his jurisdiction, the officer shall report in writing to his supervisory officer about such official with a copy to the concerned Additional Commissioner (HQs)! Additional Director (HQs).

iii) On receipt of report of the concerned officer, the official shall be transferred within three days positively. In case the seniors fail to take appropriate action, the relevant official would automatically stand relieved from the assigned duties/place of posting and would report to the relevant field Headquarters without awaiting further orders.

iv) All the chief commissioners-IR/director generals-IR are requested to submit a consolidated monthly report to Chief (Management/HR.IR) about all such officials who have been surrendered.