LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued strict instructions to all field formations to ensure full compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the use of the recently purchased Honda City cars following an incident in Karachi involving an unregistered vehicle bearing the FBR logo.
The directive was sent to all Chief Commissioners of Inland Revenue, Chief Collectors of Customs, Director Generals (PCS/IR), and Collectors of Customs. It comes after traffic police in Karachi stopped a vehicle that displayed an FBR logo and had no number plate and was unregistered.
The individual driving the vehicle introduced himself as an Assistant Commissioner of FBR. During the interaction, the officer lost composure and visibly misbehaved with the traffic police officers.
The FBR has made it clear that any violation of its vehicle usage protocols will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The letter reiterated the importance of officers conducting themselves with professionalism, restraint, and dignity, especially in public settings. It reminded all officers that strict adherence to prescribed SOPs is mandatory and that their actions reflect on the institution.
In response to the Karachi incident, an important internal meeting was held, during which key decisions were taken regarding the use of new FBR vehicles. Until the new vehicles are properly registered, they will only be allowed to operate with formal approval. Furthermore, unnecessary use of FBR vehicles has been prohibited, and such vehicles must not have tinted windows.
FBR has also warned that any future misuse of operational vehicles, particularly those displaying the FBR logo, will result in strict disciplinary action.
