ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has submitted before Islamabad High Court that there is no profiling or categorization of Customs as well as Inland Revenue officers.
However, a large number of Customs and IRS officers are in Admin Pool and there is strong impression that certain officers have been categorized and won’t be eligible for promotions and sensitive postings.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) disposed of a petition filed by Ambreen Ahmad Tarar, a senior officer of the Pakistan Customs Service, after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) assured the court that her case for promotion to BS-21 would be considered fairly and in accordance with the law.
The petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, raised concerns that Ms. Tarar’s promotion prospects might be adversely affected due to her posting in the Chief Admin Pool and the non-availability of her Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs). However, the FBR submitted a report to the court, clarifying that her PERs were complete and that her case had already been forwarded for consideration by the Central Selection Board (CSB) in its meeting starting from March 10, 2025.
During the hearing, Barrister Raja Abdul Qadeer, along with Malik Muhammad Fiaz Kandwal and Barrister Abdul Ahad Khokhar, represented the petitioner. Mr. Arshid Mahmood Kiani, Deputy Attorney General, appeared on behalf of the Federation of Pakistan, while Mr. Afnan Kareem Kundi, Advocate, represented the FBR. The FBR’s legal team, accompanied by senior officials, assured the court that Ms. Tarar’s placement in the Admin Pool would not hinder her promotion prospects. They also confirmed that no categorization or directive from the Prime Minister’s Office had been issued that would affect her case.
After reviewing the FBR’s report, the petitioner’s counsel expressed satisfaction with the assurances provided. Acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, in light of the submissions, disposed of the petition, expressing hope that Ms. Tarar’s case would be considered fairly by the CSB.
The court’s decision brings relief to Ms. Tarar, who has been awaiting promotion to BS-21. The FBR’s commitment to ensuring a fair and just process underscores the importance of transparency and merit-based evaluations in civil service promotions.
This case highlights the challenges faced by civil servants in navigating bureaucratic processes and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding their rights. The Islamabad High Court’s intervention ensures that Ms. Tarar’s career progression remains on track, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.