LAHORE: A taxpayer’s secretly recorded audio and video evidence has triggered a major breakthrough in a corruption and misconduct case against a senior tax officer, leading to a significant disciplinary action and demotion.
According to an official notification issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Mr. Muhammad Asghar Janjua, IRO (Time Scale-17), Regional Tax Office (RTO), Gujranwala. The officer was suspended on November 7, 2025, after a formal charge sheet was issued against him for alleged misconduct.
The inquiry, conducted by Mr. Muhammad Waqas Hanif, CIR, RTO Gujranwala, concluded that the accused officer was guilty of misconduct. The inquiry officer initially recommended minor penalties, including withholding of increments for two years and reduction in pay scale.
However, during a detailed hearing held on March 18, 2026, the Departmental Representative presented crucial audio and video recordings in the presence of the accused officer. The recordings revealed questionable interactions between the officer and taxpayers, including statements about tax liabilities without any documented basis.
Officials noted that the officer allegedly informed a taxpayer that their tax liability could reach “6–7 million or even more,” without any supporting calculation or assessment, raising serious concerns over professional conduct and misuse of authority.
The accused officer defended himself, claiming the recordings were incomplete and selectively edited. He also argued that his interactions were limited to advising taxpayers to comply with tax laws. However, the inquiry found that his evidence did not contradict the complainant’s version of events.
Further scrutiny revealed discrepancies regarding jurisdiction claims related to Hi-Star Industries, which the officer asserted fell under his territorial control. Official records and self-assessment data contradicted this claim, establishing that the business was under a different unit’s jurisdiction.
The inquiry also highlighted repeated visits by the officer to business premises, including after office hours, without any official documentation or reporting. Such actions were deemed unprofessional and indicative of inefficiency and possible overreach.
After reviewing all evidence, including recordings, official records, and statements from both sides, the authority concluded that the allegations were proven “without any shadow of doubt.” The inquiry further stated that the conduct of the officer did not justify minor penalties as initially recommended.
As a result, the authority imposed a major penalty of reduction to a lower post, demoting Mr. Janjua to Inspector-IR (BS-16) for a period of one year under Rule 4(3)(b) read with Rule 16(7)(b) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020.
The officer has been reinstated into service with immediate effect, and his suspension period has been treated in accordance with applicable leave rules.
This case highlights the increasing role of digital evidence and taxpayer vigilance in exposing corruption and ensuring accountability within government institutions.
