FBR set to retain its member after retirement

ISLAMABAD: With the possibility of retaining Member Inland Revenue Operations Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar on contract after reaching the age of superannuation, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated the process of seeking approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to complete the required formalities in the current week.

Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, a BS-22 officer of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS), is set to retire this week upon attaining the age of superannuation. “The government has decided to retain Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar as Member IRS Operations on a contract basis for two years,” top official sources confirmed to The News on Tuesday.

According to the sources, hiring BS-22 officers on a contractual basis requires the prime minister’s approval, following a set of formal procedures. A high-powered committee is constituted to endorse the move before a summary is forwarded to the prime minister, seeking an exemption from advertising the post. In this case, the process for reappointment — likely for two years — has already begun, and it is expected that all requirements will be fulfilled within this week. Dr. Sarwar is likely to resume charge as Member IRS Operations by next week.

When contacted, a senior FBR official said Dr. Sarwar’s retention is a positive development for the tax administration, particularly in light of the challenging revenue target of Rs14.131 trillion set for the current fiscal year.

“He is the most competent officer and capable of achieving the demanding target ahead,” the official remarked.

A recent FBR notification confirmed that following his promotion to BS-22, Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar had relinquished the post of Member (IR-Operations) in BS-21 on July 18, 2025, and assumed charge of the upgraded BS-22 position of the same office at FBR Headquarters, Islamabad, on the same date.

In another significant development, Ms Rabab Sikandar, wife of the chief election commissioner, also assumed charge in BS-22.

According to an FBR notification dated July 18, 2025, Ms. Sikandar, a BS-21 officer of the Pakistan Customs Service, had relinquished the post of Chief Collector of Customs (BS-21), Appraisement (Punjab), Lahore, and assumed charge of the upgraded post of Chief Collector of Customs (BS-22), Appraisement (Punjab), Lahore, on the same date.