MULTAN: Chief Organizer and acting head of Welfare Union of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Tahir Khakwani, has voiced concerns regarding the recent division of the FBR into two entities, citing reservations about the move.
Khakwani emphasized that while government departments have pledged to safeguard employees’ jobs, there is a pressing need for the reinstatement of frozen allowances. This call was reiterated during a joint press conference attended by prominent figures such as Irfaan Shahid, Bashir Khan, Rana Ahsan, Javaid Iqbal and Rana Majid.
Khakwani further disclosed that the government has confirmed a substantial increase of 30 to 35 percent in salaries within the coming budget, aiming to address long-standing disparities in compensation.
He underscored that FBR employees currently receive significantly lower salaries, allowances, and benefits compared to their federal counterparts, despite their crucial role in tax collection across Pakistan. Notably, FBR employees shoulder the lion’s share of tax collection responsibilities in the country.
Khakwani advocated for equitable compensation for FBR employees, given their pivotal contribution to national revenue generation. He stressed the importance of adequately acknowledging their efforts, particularly in light of their central role in tax collection, likening the FBR’s function to the backbone of revenue collection in Pakistan.
Moreover, there are high expectations from the anticipated Chairman Senate, Yousaf Raza Gilani, regarding addressing the issue of salary increments and provision of enhanced facilities and perks for FBR employees. Job security and the reinstatement of frozen allowances were identified as paramount concerns during the press conference, with Khakwani asserting that these are non-negotiable demands that require immediate attention and resolution.
