Pakistan Customs Group Raises Concerns Over Tax Officer Profiling

Recently, the Pakistan Customs Group has raised concerns over the profiling of tax officers within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Prime Minister Shehbaz's decision to remove 25 officers from grades 21 and 22 due to adverse reports has sparked a debate within the Customs Service and the Inland Revenue Service.

The Customs officers are demanding evidence of corruption and inefficiency used to categorize officers into different groups. They argue that the profiling process lacks transparency and violates their rights under the Constitution and Civil Servants Act 1973.

Furthermore, the officers claim that the profiling was not based on merit, leading to the removal of several top-tier officials. They highlight cases of alleged victimization, including officers like Mukaram Jah Ansari and Ahmad Mujteba Memon, who were reportedly targeted for their roles in FBR restructuring.

The resolution also addresses concerns about a 'media trial' damaging the reputation and morale of FBR officers. The officers are seeking detailed information on the profiling process and urging the FBR chairman to protect their rights and ensure due process.

With a tax shortfall of Rs40 billion in April, the government's move to address inefficiency and misconduct among tax officers is seen as necessary. The Customs officers plan to take legal steps to safeguard their rights and challenge the profiling process.

The Pakistan Customs officers' demand for transparency and due process in the profiling of tax officers reflects their commitment to upholding integrity and fairness within the FBR. As the government aims to address tax collection challenges, ensuring a balanced and transparent approach to evaluating officers' performance and conduct is crucial for maintaining trust and efficiency in the tax administration system.