KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has once again decided to delegate the powers of transfers and postings of BS-16 officials including Appraisers, Principal Appraisers (PAs), Senior Preventive Officers and Preventive Officers of Customs Department to the chief collectors.
It is pertinent to mention here that FBR had previously issued orders in this regard some time ago, in which it had authorised the chief collectors to carried out transfers and postings of the officials from BS-1 to BS-16.
According to details, the decision was reversed after considering heavy load on the Member Admin regarding the transfers and postings.
The sources in Customs Department told Customs Today that the said decision of FBR is an attempt to curb corruption at low cadre, as it was so often in the past that the customs officials of Grade 16 or below were approaching FBR Headquarters for transfers/postings at their desired places.
The sources said that FBR may continue with the same decision as a permanent one, as the new team of FBR headed by its chairman Tariq Bajwa is determined to eliminate corruption from the most important department of the revenue generation of the country, adding that the recent reshuffling at the top slots including collectors, deputy collectors, additional collectors and assistant collectors was an open proof that FBR is determined to generate revenue as per the target set for the fiscal year 2013-14.
He further added that the said step will definitely help the importers and clearing agents as they will not pay extra amount in shape of demurrage and detention on the imported goods at various terminals.
Meanwhile, President Karachi Customs Agent Association (KCAA) Saifullah Khan has also expressed gratitude over the decision of the Member Customs and Chief Collector (Appraisement) regarding opening of the Customs offices on public holidays i.e. Saturday and Sunday.
“Through the said decision of the Member Customs and Chief Collector (Appraisement) has proved that they are patriotic and true Pakistani”, Khan added.
