ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has warned inquiry officers of disciplinary action for delaying inquiry reports.
In an official letter, the FBR directed all inquiry officers to complete pending inquiry reports within 15 days; otherwise, disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against them.
The FBR has noted that the officers, who are assigned with inquiries and fact-finding inquiries, are delaying the submission of inquiry reports and are causing embarrassment for the board and maligning the ends of justice. Similarly, some inquiries are pending with authorized officers or authorities for decision.
The practice is bringing a bad name for the board, as well as long-time pendency creates endless agony for the accused officer.
Moreover, initiation of disciplinary proceedings is interlinked with so many service aspects of the accused officers like promotions, deputations, leaves, reputation, etc.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has recently initiated suo moto investigation regarding pending disciplinary proceedings of the FBR and has directed the FBR to call an explanation of all inquiry officers or the inquiry committee members/authorised officers, as the case may be, and take appropriate action against them for causing inordinate delay in conclusion of inquiry proceedings.
The FBR directed all concerned to accord the highest priority to the completion of pending inquiries/finalization of decisions on pending inquiries and ensure that the same are completed/submitted within 15 days positively, otherwise disciplinary proceedings can be initiated against them on account of the negligence/dereliction of duties.
