KARACHI: The officials posted at the Directorate of Reforms and Automation of the Pakistan Customs have been waiting for their promotions to the next higher grade for the last 25 years, it is learnt.
While those having some backing got multiple promotions and their posts were too re-designated and the majority of staff remained without promotions since years, sources told Customs Today.
Interestingly, sources disclosed that the Data Control Assistant of Inland Revenue got several promotions from BPS-10 directly to BPS-14 and then BPS-16. And, the Key Punch Operator (KPO) also got promotion from BPS-9 to BPS-10 and their posts were re-designated to BPS-12 and the KPOs became the Data Entry Operators, sources added.
“When we were interviewed for the customs job, the then deputy collector or assistant collectors who interviewed me became chairman customs etc. However, we are holding the same position as offered at the time of appointment”, says an official of the directorate.
The staff, who are waiting for the promotion, had also approached the Federal Services Tribunal (FST) who on January 1, 2013 had ordered the concerned authorities to resolve and address the grievances of the staff. However, the issue still remains unresolved, sources added.
Moreover, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Finance Ministry have approved the cases of promotions and all paper work has been completed in this regard. It is hoped that the directorate of reform and automation staff would soon get their due promotions, sources concluded.