TRADE & ECONOMY
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing sharp criticism from its officers, who attribute the revenue shortfall of Rs 356 billion to the current administration's inexperience and misleading policies.
In a strongly worded statement, the Inland Revenue Service Officers Association (IRSOA) expressed dissatisfaction with the so-called transformation plan introduced by the administration. The association claims that the plan has created unrest among officers and hampered efforts to achieve revenue targets.
Policies Blamed for Revenue Decline
The IRSOA’s statement accuses the administration of implementing flawed policies that have not only caused the revenue shortfall but also disrupted organizational harmony. “The transformation plan has led to serious deviations and affected the collection of revenue,” the statement read.
Struggles of Junior Officers
The association highlighted the difficult working conditions of junior officers, who it said receive the lowest salaries in the federation. Officers are reportedly deprived of essential resources such as transport, fuel, and housing. Many junior officers have been transferred to remote areas without basic facilities, exacerbating their dissatisfaction.
“Junior officers have been unjustly labeled as corrupt, further demoralizing them,” the statement said.
The delay in holding the Departmental Promotion Board for officers from Grade 18 to 19 has also been a source of frustration. “No clear reasons have been provided for the delay,” the association stated, adding that these issues have negatively impacted morale and efficiency.
Past Achievements and Commitment to Pakistan
Despite these challenges, the IRSOA noted that last year’s revenue targets were met with the same manpower. They reaffirmed their commitment to working in Pakistan’s best interests but stressed that policy improvements and better resource allocation are essential for achieving future goals.
Call for Action
The IRSOA’s statement serves as a wake-up call for the FBR administration to address these systemic issues. Improved working conditions, fair promotions, and constructive policies are crucial for restoring trust and ensuring that revenue targets are met in the future.