LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has dismissed a customs official from service on charges of prolonged unauthorized absence, according to an official notification issued on Wednesday.
The disciplinary action was taken against Shahroz Khaliq, an Inspector Customs (BS-16) posted at the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Peshawar. He was found guilty of “inefficiency and misconduct” under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
According to the FBR, the official remained absent from duty without authorization since March 10, 2024, following the expiry of his approved ex-Pakistan leave. He had earlier been granted 730 days of leave without pay from March 2022 to March 2024 to pursue higher studies in Canada.
Upon failing to report back after the leave period ended, the department initiated disciplinary proceedings and issued a show-cause notice in February 2026. The notice was sent to his registered addresses but returned undelivered. Authorities later shared the notice via email and WhatsApp, which was acknowledged by the officer on March 17, 2026. However, he neither submitted a response nor resumed duty.
The FBR said the prolonged absence of over two years constituted gross misconduct and demonstrated a lack of interest in continuing government service.
Acting under relevant provisions of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, the Member (Administration/HR) imposed the major penalty of “dismissal from service.” The period of suspension from January 29, 2026, onward will be treated as leave as admissible, while the earlier absence period has been classified as leave without pay.
The dismissed official retains the right to file an appeal before the appropriate authority within 30 days under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977.
