Report: Nadir Khan
It was revealed that officers /officials and mid-level personnel of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are exerting undue pressure for “Choice Posting”, particularly for field assignments.
According to a notification issued by the FBR, Additional Collector, Yawar Nawaz, a Grade 19 Customs officer posted at the Islamabad Head Office, used external influence to secure a choice posting, a clear violation of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
The notification further stated that the concern customs officer approached the Federal Finance Minister through influential intermediaries, recommending his appointment to one of several key positions including Collector South Asia Pakistan Terminal Karachi, Collector of Customs Appraisement West, Collector of Customs Jinnah International Airport, or Collector of Customs Export in Customs South.
Following this recommendation, on the directions of the Chairman FBR, a show cause notice was issued to Additional Collector, Yawar Nawaz, under the provisions of the Civil Servant Rules on February 24. He was subsequently suspended from service the next day, on February 25.
However, the officer was reinstated after just two months, reportedly on the basis of a simple explanation, with approval from the Chairman FBR. This move has sparked significant concern, as the use of extraneous influence constitutes misconduct that can lead to removal from service under existing regulations.
According to the exoneration notification, in the response of show cause, Yawar Nawaz strongly denied the allegation of external pressure for “Choice Posting”.
He stated that his family resides in Karachi and his current posting at the FBR headquarters in Islamabad has has caused him personal and professional problems, which his family members are also aware of. He expressed the possibility that some relatives or friends may have made this recommendation, but he has nothing to do with it.
Grave concern was also expressed in the FBR notification dated April 7, 2005, revealing that extensive use of external pressure mounted by the officers’ officials for “Choice Posting”, which is clear violation of Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
Conversely, the notification of reinstatement of Grade 19 Customs officer, Yawar Nawaz just after two months has raised numerous questions. Was any investigation conducted following the recommendation or was the officer reinstated merely on the basis of his explanation? Yawar Nawaz himself admitted that he had difficulties, so can his mere explanation be considered sufficient in this context? Yawar Nawaz himself admitted to facing difficulties, can a personal statement alone justify such a decision?
Who were the individuals who made the recommendations for Yawar Nawaz? Are they so influential that they have direct access to the Federal Finance Minister? Did they seek to gain illegal benefits by ensuring the officer’s posting to a particular location? What was their objective? Was any action taken against those who made the recommendations, or was a complaint filed with the relevant authorities?
Following the detailed notification issued by the Chairman FBR, further questions have arisen regarding the basis for appointments to senior positions within the organization, including subordinate members, chief collectors, collectors, and others. Are these postings based on merit and performance, or influenced by external pressures?
