Widespread Transfers Across Major Tax Centers
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the nationwide transfer and appointment of 80 senior officers, creating a wave of changes across the country’s key tax and customs offices. The move affects officers from Grades 19, 20, and 21 — some of the most senior positions within the FBR hierarchy.
According to the official notification, these transfers cover major tax and customs formations in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Director Generals, Commissioners, and Collectors serving in these hubs have been reassigned to new positions, with immediate effect.
All officers have been directed to assume their new responsibilities without delay and to report their charge-taking details directly to the FBR headquarters in Islamabad.
Effort to Strengthen Institutional Performance
This large-scale reshuffle is being described by officials as part of an ongoing effort to improve organizational efficiency, accountability, and revenue performance. The FBR, Pakistan’s apex tax authority, has faced persistent criticism over tax collection shortfalls, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and uneven performance across regions.
In the previous fiscal year, Pakistan collected approximately PKR 9.4 trillion in taxes — a record figure, yet still below the country’s potential tax-to-GDP ratio of around 10%. Officials hope that fresh appointments and structural adjustments will help the FBR strengthen tax enforcement and broaden the tax base.
Background: Push for Reform and Transparency
The reshuffle also comes amid the government’s broader reform agenda to enhance transparency and governance within key public institutions. Prime Minister-led economic teams have repeatedly emphasized the need for greater accountability in revenue management, especially as Pakistan continues to meet fiscal targets under International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs.
Observers note that such transfers are not uncommon within the FBR, yet the scale of this reshuffle — involving 80 officers at once — underscores the administration’s urgency to realign performance with national fiscal goals.
Next Steps
All transferred officers are expected to assume charge within the coming days. The FBR has warned of strict monitoring to ensure compliance with the new directives. Further administrative changes are anticipated as part of the government’s ongoing drive to modernize tax collection and boost public trust in fiscal governance.
