ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to take stern action against its officials, who approach the board to exert political pressure for their promotion and postings.
In an office order issued on Friday, the FBR said that it had observed with great concern that some officials were attempting to bring extraneous influence, including political pressure, in respect of service matters such as transfers/posting/deputation and other related issues which is not only breach of Rule 19 and 29 of Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 but also constitutes ‘misconduct’ in terms of Rule 2(4) of the Government Servants (E&D) Rules, 1973.
It is worth mentioning here that after the end of fiscal year the FBR usually announce to massive posting and transfers and some of the politically influenced to appoint or depute the officers of Inland Revenue and Pakistan Customs to their desired places.
According to Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964: “(19). Approach to member of the Assemblies, etc:- No Government servant shall directly or indirectly, approach any Member of the National Assembly or a Provincial Assembly or any other non-official person to intervene on his behalf in any matter.”
“(29). Use of political or other influence:- No Government servant shall bring or attempt to bring political or other outside political influence, directly or indirectly, to bear on the Government or any Government servant in support of any claim arising in connection with his employment as such.”
And according to Government Servants (E&D) Rules, 1973: “ ‘Misconduct’ means conduct prejudicial to good order or service discipline or contrary to Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 or unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman and includes any act on the part of a Government servant to bring political or other outside influence directly or indirectly to bear on the government or any government officer in respect of any matter relating to the appointment, promotion, transfer, punishment, retirement or other conditions of services of a Government servant.”
The office order said that the FBR’s administration has taken serious view of such act on part of the governments officials. “All concerned are, therefore, advised in their own interest to abide by the rules and avoid such conduct in future, failing which, stern action will be taken against those found involved,” it added.