LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reiterated strict action against tax officials attempting to use political or personal influence to secure choice postings, warning that such conduct constitutes serious misconduct under civil service rules.
In a fresh circular, the FBR recalled an earlier directive issued on August 20, 2025, in which officers and officials were categorically instructed to refrain from exerting any external pressure for preferred postings. The circular noted that despite the warning, two officers — one in BS-18 and another in BS-19 — had been suspended for violating the instructions.
FBR stated that many officers were on deputation in other ministries and may have missed the earlier notification, prompting the authority to reissue and reinforce the earlier guidelines. According to the reproduced instructions, the FBR described a “rampant sub-culture” of officials using influence to obtain favourable field positions, warning that such practices undermine the organization’s integrity and set a negative precedent for junior officers.
The circular highlighted that using influence for postings is classified as misconduct under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020, both of which allow “removal from service” as a valid penalty. The directive referenced Rule 19 and Rule 29 of the Conduct Rules, relevant ESTACODE provisions, and Rule 2(1)(k) of the E&D Rules.
FBR further cautioned that any future violation will lead to immediate suspension and disciplinary proceedings. However, the authority acknowledged that genuine hardship cases requiring a change of station may be considered if submitted with supporting documents through the prescribed email channel.
The circular concluded that any attempt to seek transfers or postings through unapproved means will be treated as misconduct and dealt with strictly under the law.
