ISLAMABAD: An official of Pakistan Customs has been slapped with a major penalty following charges of corruption, misconduct, and inefficiency.
The disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Muhammad Ikram Sheikh, Inspector Customs (BS-16), based in the Collectorate of Customs, Gilgit-Baltistan. The Order of Inquiry, dated 03.02.2023, accused him of “Inefficiency,” “Misconduct,” and “Corruption” under Rule-3(a)(b)&(c) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
To thoroughly investigate the matter, Muhammad Arshad Khan, (PCS/BS-19), was appointed as the Inquiry Officer. Following a detailed scrutiny of the accused officer’s conduct, the Inquiry Officer submitted the inquiry report on 02.05.2023, which concluded that the charges against the accused officer had been established.
Based on the inquiry report’s findings and recommendations, a Show Cause Notice was served to the accused on 19.05.2023 under Rule-16(6) of the aforementioned rules. In response, the accused officer furnished a reply to the Show Cause Notice. Subsequently, the Member (Admn/HR)/Authority provided an opportunity for a personal hearing to the accused on 20.07.2023, as per Rule-17 of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
After careful review of the available record of the case, inquiry report, reply of the accused, and verbal submissions made during the personal hearing, the Authority, namely Member (Admn/HR), FBR, agreed with the Inquiry Officer’s findings and recommendations.
Consequently, the Authority imposed a major penalty of “Reduction to a lower post of Assistant (BS-15) for a period of two years” upon the accused, Muhammad Ikram Sheikh, Inspector Customs (BS-16), stationed at the Collectorate of Customs, Gilgit-Baltistan, under Rule 4(3)(b) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020.
Furthermore, as part of the penalty, his Performance Allowance shall be stopped for one year from the date of this penalty award, in accordance with Sr. No. 7(iii) of FBR’s Circular No. 1 of 2015, dated 06.03.3015. Additionally, he will be required to appear afresh for the restoration of the allowance after the one-year period.
The accused, Muhammad Ikram Sheikh, has the right to appeal against this order to the Appellant Authority under Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977. He must submit the appeal within 30 days from the date of communication of this notification.
This penalty serves as a strong reminder of the government’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and integrity within its institutions. The swift and decisive action against corruption sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will be held accountable for their actions.
