KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed strict disciplinary action against a Customs Preventive Officer following a tragic incident during an anti-smuggling operation in Karachi that resulted in the death of a civilian.
According to an official notification, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Mr. Muhammad Tauseef Akbar, Preventive Officer (BS-16), under suspension from the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi. The action was taken under Rule 3(a) and 3(b) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020, on charges of “inefficiency” and “misconduct.”
The officer was suspended on June 18, 2025, after serious allegations surfaced regarding his role in an anti-smuggling raid that turned fatal. A formal charge sheet was issued on September 1, 2025, and an inquiry was conducted by Mr. Saad Atta Rabbani (PCS/BS-19), who concluded that the charges against the officer were fully established.
The inquiry report, submitted on January 24, 2026, recommended a major penalty of reduction to a lower post and pay scale for two years. However, after reviewing the case and hearing the officer’s defense, the FBR authority decided to impose a stricter punishment.
The officer had argued that he deputed customs personnel (Sepoys) for an initial anti-smuggling operation, which was successfully completed without casualties. However, he claimed that a second operation was conducted by the Sepoys without his permission, during which a civilian lost his life in an exchange of gunfire.
He further stated that he had to leave the operation due to a family emergency but maintained communication with the team. Despite these claims, the authority found that he failed to ensure proper supervision and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
During the proceedings, the Departmental Representative highlighted that the officer allowed armed personnel to conduct operations without adequate supervision, which directly violated established protocols. The authority observed that such negligence constituted serious misconduct.
After reviewing all evidence, including inquiry findings, written responses, and arguments presented during the hearing, the FBR authority concluded that the officer’s actions contributed to the incident.
While noting that the Sepoys involved in the fatal shooting were also held accountable—with the primary accused facing dismissal—the authority determined that the officer’s negligence warranted a stronger penalty than initially recommended.
As a result, FBR imposed a major penalty of reduction to a lower post and pay scale for a period of three years on Mr. Akbar, effective immediately under Rule 4(3)(b) read with Rule 16(7)(b) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020.
Additionally, the officer has been reinstated into government service, and his suspension period from June 18, 2025, to date will be treated as leave in accordance with applicable rules. His performance allowance has also been suspended for one year, requiring him to requalify for it.
The officer retains the right to appeal the decision within 30 days under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977.
