LAHORE: MCC Collector of Customs (Preventive) Mukaram Jah has warned that political pressure by officials to get lucrative posts in the collectorate will be discouraged.
In a circular issued here on the Wednesday, the collector of customs preventive said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has strictly prohibited the officers and all the other staff members from exerting political pressure on the official matters, including transfers, postings and deputations.
Most officials have been violating these instructions issued by the board, he said, warning that in future if any official or staff member will try to influence his transfer and posting, the collectorate will initiate a disciplinary action against him.
It is pertinent to mention here, the FBR has already issued instructions to discourage political pressure by some tax officials for transfers/postings/deputation on lucrative positions.
According to the FBR instructions issued on June 5, 2014 the FBR said it has been observed with great concern that some officials attempt to use extraneous influence, including political pressure, in respect of service matters such as transfers, postings, deputation and other related issues which is not only breach of rule 19 and 29 of Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 but also constitutes “Misconduct” in terms of rule 2(4) of the Government Servants (E & D) Rules, 1973.
The FBR quoted Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 “19 which read approach to member of the Assemblies, etc: No Government servant shall directly or indirectly, approach any Member of the National Assembly or a Provincial Assembly or any other non-official person to intervene on his behalf in any matter.” “29. Use of political or other influence: No Government servant shall bring or attempt to bring political or other outside political influence, directly or indirectly to bear on the government or any government servant in support of any claim arising in connection with his employment as such”.
The board also quoted Government Servants (E&D) Rules, 1973 that read “Misconduct” means conduct prejudicial to good order or service discipline or country to Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, I 964 or unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman and includes any act on the part of a Government servant to bring or attempt to bring political or other outside influence directly or indirectly to bear on the Government or any Government officer in respect of any matter relating to the appointment, promotion, transfer, punishment, retirement or other conditions of service of a Government servant.
The FBR had said the administration has taken serious view of such acts on the part of governments officials. All concerned are, therefore, advised in their own interest to abide by the rules and avoid such conduct in future, failing which, stern action will be taken against those found involved, the FBR added.
