pakistans federal tax
| |

Pakistan’s federal tax authority suspends 211 se…

ByJustpaste.in

 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended 211 senior officials and removed another 32 officers from key positions over integrity concerns during the past two years, according to official figures. The move is part of a comprehensive accountability campaign aimed at eliminating corruption, improving transparency, and restoring public confidence in the country’s tax administration.

The disciplinary actions, covering the period from August 2024 to mid-2026, represent one of the largest internal crackdowns in the history of the FBR. The institution, responsible for collecting taxes and customs duties, has often faced criticism over allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, and lack of accountability.

According to the official data, 211 officers belonging to grades 16 to 21 of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS), the FBR’s domestic tax collection wing, were suspended during the two-year period. Officials noted that previous annual averages for suspensions stood at around 33 cases, highlighting the significant increase in disciplinary measures under the current leadership.

The number of major penalties imposed on officers also showed a steady rise. Cases increased from 38 during the 2023-24 fiscal year to 49 in 2024-25, before reaching 75 in 2025-26. Authorities say the increase reflects stricter monitoring and a stronger commitment to enforcing accountability rather than a rise in misconduct alone.

In addition to suspensions, the FBR identified 32 officers as being of “questionable integrity” by April 2026. These included 14 officials from the Inland Revenue Service and 18 from Pakistan Customs. Most of the officers held senior positions in grade 20 or above and were removed from operational assignments to ensure greater transparency in tax administration.

The accountability drive has coincided with investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which has arrested several senior tax and customs officials in separate corruption-related cases. These actions have reinforced the government’s broader efforts to strengthen oversight and address misconduct within public institutions.

Official figures indicate a significant improvement in integrity levels among officers serving in sensitive positions. In the Inland Revenue Service, the proportion of officers considered to have low integrity dropped from 74 percent in July 2023 to just 11 percent by June 2026. Similarly, in Pakistan Customs, the figure declined from 71 percent to 9 percent over the same period.

The FBR has also tightened its promotion process by introducing more rigorous screening measures. The number of officials placed on a performance watch list increased from around 2 percent in 2023 to nearly 40 percent by 2025, reflecting greater emphasis on ethical conduct, financial transparency, and professional performance.

Officials say these reforms are part of a long-term institutional strategy rather than isolated disciplinary actions. Regular peer-review mechanisms have achieved completion rates of more than 97 percent, demonstrating improved compliance with internal evaluation procedures.

As part of its modernization efforts, the FBR has also introduced a faceless income tax assessment system designed to reduce direct interaction between taxpayers and tax officials, thereby minimizing opportunities for corruption. Additionally, the board has implemented an integrity-based rating system that ranks officers from “A” to “D” based on their ethical standards and professional conduct.

By June 2026, officers rated “A” or “B” occupied nearly 90 percent of critical positions in both Inland Revenue and Customs departments. Officials believe these reforms will help improve tax collection, strengthen governance, enhance investor confidence, and support Pakistan’s ongoing fiscal reform agenda.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Man admits transporting body of Scottish woman in suitcase in Athens

    ByJustpaste.in

    Greek authorities have arrested a 26-year-old man who confessed to transporting the body of 38-year-old Scottish woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross in a suitcase to an abandoned building in Athens. The victim’s body was discovered on 18 July in the Kypseli district following a missing person report, with subsequent investigations leading police to identify the suspect via video footage. Law enforcement officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of manslaughter, robbery, and weapons offences after finding he had used the victim’s bank cards and seized a knife and replica pistol at his home. Greek police are fast-tracking toxicology reports to determine the precise cause of death while continuing efforts to trace American acquaintances Ross was scheduled to visit before her disappearance. The Scottish Government confirmed it is providing official support to the victim’s family alongside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

  • | |

    Punjab University employees intensify protest over…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Thousands of teachers and employees of the University of the Punjab took to the streets on Wednesday in a major protest organized by the Joint Action Committee, demanding the resolution of their longstanding grievances and payment of outstanding dues. The demonstration was attended by office-bearers of the Punjab University Academic Staff Association and the Punjab University Administrative & Technical Staff Association, along with a large number of faculty members and university employees. Addressing the protesters, Joint Action Committee Chairman Prof. Dr. Sardar Asghar Iqbal accused the university administration of favouring a particular group, alleging that the practice had adversely affected the institution’s financial and administrative affairs. Other faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Abdul Rehman Khan Niazi, Prof. Dr. Muqeet Javed, Dr. Abrar Zafar and Prof. Dr. Kamran Mirza, also participated in the protest. Joint Action Committee President and President of the Punjab University Administrative & Technical Staff Association Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood said employees had been protesting peacefully for around one and a half years, but the administration had failed to address their concerns. He said the employees were now compelled to intensify their protest. According to the announced plan, university offices will observe a two-hour work suspension every day, with employees wearing black armbands as a sign of protest. A protest rally will also be organized every Wednesday. Mahmood warned that the protesters could block the Campus Bridge if the administration failed to take their demands seriously. He also announced plans for demonstrations outside the Punjab chief minister’s office and on the GT Road near the university’s Gujranwala and Jhelum campuses. The protesters called for the immediate resolution of teachers’ and employees’ issues and payment of all outstanding dues. They also demanded the removal of DG Rehan Sadiq Sheikh, alleging that his conduct toward employees and role in administrative matters had contributed to the university’s deteriorating financial and administrative situation. The Joint Action Committee further called on the Punjab government to conduct a forensic audit of the university’s financial and administrative affairs to ensure transparency and accountability. Tayyab Ijaz Khan Swati, Tanveer Awan, Hammad Butt, Azhar Iqbal Baloch and former association president Nasir Rehmat were among the other speakers who addressed the gathering. The Joint Action Committee said its protest campaign would continue until the administration accepts and addresses the protesters’ demands.

  • |

    FA bans concrete pitch walls after death of ex-Arsenal player

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Football Association has introduced new safety rules for perimeter walls around football pitches. The move follows the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. Vigar, a 21-year-old forward for Chichester City, died after suffering a brain injury during a match against Wingate and Finchley in north London last September. It’s believed he collided with a concrete barrier near the pitch. Following the tragedy, the FA carried out a full safety review of grounds across the lower leagues. As a result, it has now published new guidance banning solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around playing fields. The updated rules apply specifically to clubs in the National League System for men, covering steps one through six. Women’s National League clubs in tiers three and four are also included under the new guidance. The FA confirmed that any existing solid barriers must now be removed as soon as reasonably possible. Where structural issues prevent removal, clubs will instead be required to cover the barriers with suitable protective padding. The governing body said on Friday that affected clubs have already been formally notified. It added that those clubs will now be required to take action in line with the updated safety standards. The rule change marks a significant shift in how English football’s lower tiers approach pitch-side safety. It comes as a direct response to a preventable tragedy that shook the football community last year.

  • |

    Former India captain Sourav Ganguly and wife receive death threats

    ByJustpaste.in

    KOLKATA: Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and his wife, Dona Ganguly, have reportedly received death threats, prompting police to launch an investigation into a series of threatening letters sent to the family. According to Indian media reports, a fresh threatening letter was opened on Monday at the office of the president of the Bengal Cricket Association. The letter was reportedly written entirely in English and contained threats against Ganguly and his family. The latest incident has raised concern because the family has allegedly been receiving similar letters for around six months. Initially, the messages were reportedly dismissed as letters from overzealous or unhappy fans. However, the increasingly aggressive language and repeated threats eventually prompted the family to approach police. A formal written complaint has been submitted to the local police station by Ganguly’s family. The state government’s security department has also reportedly been informed, with the family seeking appropriate security measures. The complaint stated that unknown individuals had previously sent letters containing offensive and objectionable remarks about the former India captain. At first, the messages were believed to be linked to personal resentment or someone unhappy with Ganguly. The situation took a more serious turn when two recent letters addressed to Sourav and Dona Ganguly reportedly contained threatening language targeting not only the couple but also people working with them. Police sources said their preliminary inquiry indicated that the threatening letters had been sent by courier to Ganguly’s residence. Authorities have assured Ganguly’s personal assistant that an investigation is underway and that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the former cricketer and his family. Ganguly, one of India’s most influential cricket figures, served as national captain before later becoming BCCI president. The latest threats have now placed his family under increased security attention as investigators work to identify those behind the letters.

  • | |

    Aamir Khan exits Ashneer Grover biopic amid creative differences

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has reportedly stepped down from the highly anticipated biographical drama based on the life of controversial entrepreneur and Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover, citing creative differences with director Rahul Mody. ​The project, which gained considerable traction in industry circles earlier this year, was set to feature Khan taking on the role of the outspoken BharatPe co-founder. Khan, known for his meticulous approach to character development, was reportedly fascinated by the Indian startup ecosystem and had spent significant time developing the script to align with his creative vision. However, fundamental disagreements regarding the narrative direction eventually led Khan and director Rahul Mody to part ways before production could commence. ​Despite the departure of its leading star, the project remains active and on track. Director Rahul Mody and actor Shraddha Kapoor—who is attached to the project both as a co-producer and as the female lead playing Grover’s wife, Madhuri Jain Grover—are continuing with the production. The team has reportedly initiated conversations with two to three top, relatively younger actors to take over the title role of Ashneer Grover. ​The upcoming film aims to chronicle Grover’s rapid rise within the corporate startup sphere, his tenure on television, and the high-profile legal controversies that followed his exit from BharatPe. Khan, meanwhile, remains occupied with a busy slate of projects, including his upcoming period drama with director Ashutosh Gowariker and the anticipated sequel to 3 Idiots.

  • | |

    Drew Starkey recalls emotional final day on Outer …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saying goodbye to Outer Banks was far more emotional than Drew Starkey expected. The 32-year-old actor, who has played Rafe Cameron since the Netflix series debuted in 2020, recently revealed that he broke down in tears after filming his final scene for the show’s fifth and final season. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Starkey reflected on wrapping up a journey that lasted seven years and shaped a significant chapter of his life.  During the interview, Starkey admitted that he believed he was handling the show’s ending surprisingly well while filming the final episodes. He joked that he even wondered if something was wrong because he wasn’t feeling emotional during the last few months on set. “It was totally bittersweet,” Starkey said. “We spent seven years on that show and those are my best friends.” He explained that he thought he was ready to move on, but everything changed the moment cameras stopped rolling on his final scene.  “The last shot of my last scene, right when they yelled ‘cut,’ I was just weeping,” Starkey shared. The actor said he cried continuously for nearly two hours as cast and crew members came over to comfort him. Every conversation brought fresh tears, making it impossible for him to hold back his emotions.  Looking back, Starkey said the overwhelming reaction came from realizing how much time had passed. He joined Outer Banks when he was 25 years old and is now 32. As filming ended, memories from the past seven years came rushing back, reminding him of the friendships, experiences and personal growth he had gained through the series.  The emotional farewell comes as Outer Banks prepares for its fifth and final season, which promises to bring the popular adventure drama to an exciting conclusion. The new season follows the Pogues after the devastating loss of JJ, forcing them to face dangerous enemies while embarking on one last mission together. The story also sees Rafe Cameron becoming an uneasy ally as the group fights for its future.  For fans, Starkey’s heartfelt comments highlight just how close the cast became during the making of the hit series. What started as a teen adventure drama evolved into one of Netflix’s biggest franchises, creating lifelong friendships behind the scenes. Although saying goodbye was difficult, Starkey’s emotional farewell reflects the impact Outer Banks had on everyone involved. As the final season approaches, viewers can expect an ending filled with action, emotion and nostalgia, while the cast celebrates a remarkable journey that has lasted nearly a decade. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *