LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a major penalty on a customs official after disciplinary proceedings established charges of unauthorized use of a non-customs paid (NCP) vehicle and prolonged absence from duty.
According to an official notification issued by the Revenue Division, disciplinary action was taken against Mr. Abdul Fatah, Inspector Customs (BS-16), posted at the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Gadani, under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020
The case originated from allegations of inefficiency and misconduct, leading to his suspension in January 2024. An initial inquiry recommended dropping the proceedings; however, FBR ordered a de-novo inquiry after finding that the earlier probe did not adequately assess the facts of the case
The subsequent inquiry concluded that while five out of seven allegations could not be proven due to acquittal by a trial court, two key charges were established. These included the unauthorized use of NCP vehicle No. GP-0597 and continuous absence from duty with unsatisfactory performance, despite repeated explanation-cum-counselling notices
After reviewing the inquiry report, written replies, and oral submissions, the competent authority ruled that the gravity of the proven charges warranted a major penalty. FBR ordered reduction of the officer to a lower post and pay scale for three years. Additionally, his performance allowance has been stopped for one year
The officer has been reinstated into service, with the suspension period treated as leave, and retains the right to appeal within 30 days under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977
