KARACHI: The term of Dr. Irshad as Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ended on June 30, 2017. It was a relatively shorter tenure. Member Inland Revenue Rehmatullah Wazir is looking after the chairperson’s office until the time a regular chairman is appointed.

Rehmatullah Wazir is a very seasoned professional and considered to be a very honest and competent officer. At a time when the entire government machinery is passing through a crisis like situation given political drama in the pretext of Panama Leaks investigations and heads of government institutions are criticized in one pretext or other, Wazir is the appropriate officer to lead the board.

Meanwhile, FBR has notified that transfers and postings of FBR officers that were announced on June 30, 2017 and July 01, 2017 stand cancelled.

Moreover, the meeting of the promotion board which is chaired by the Prime Minister to consider promotion of Grade-21 officers is likely to be postponed for an indefinite period, or until this Panama Leaks storm is settled.

Rehmatullah Wazir is in line for his promotion in Grade-22. Since the promotion board is unlikely to be convened, officials expect this caretaker setup would continue a little longer.