The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a collaboration with intelligence agencies to identify and apprehend officers involved in corruption.
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial unveiled a strict reward and punishment system aimed at enhancing accountability within the organization, as reported by Express News.
During a briefing for senior tax officers (grade 17 and above) at FBR headquarters, Langrial detailed the board’s new reform initiatives. He noted that financial incentives for exceptional performance have already been approved, with plans to improve the existing reward structure further.
Currently, the FBR awards quarterly bonuses to high-performing officers, but enhancements to this system are forthcoming. Langrial emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption in the tax department, stating that law enforcement agencies will actively monitor officers suspected of corrupt activities, who will face severe repercussions if found guilty.
In addition to addressing internal corruption, Langrial outlined measures to combat tax evasion, including expanded powers for the FBR to amend laws related to information exchange with financial institutions.
Plans are also underway to establish model tax offices and digital enforcement stations, alongside the creation of a special fund for enforcement collectorates, which will reward officers and staff based on increased tax revenues from imports.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif removed 25 high-ranking officers from the FBR, following recommendations from three intelligence agencies regarding their financial integrity and competence. Among those dismissed were top board members, chief commissioners, and a former FBR chairman who had been out of office for two years.
In response to the purges, the government has reassigned 25 officers within the FBR, promoting those who have been performing below expectations but occupy key positions in ‘A’ category postings.
