ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reinstated a customs official, serving as Secretary FBR, who was previously suspended for allegedly using the influence of a high-profile individual to pressure the Finance Minister for a favorable posting in Karachi.
The development was made public through an official notification issued on Monday by the FBR.
As per the notification, the Finance Minister received a message from an influential person that read:
“Minister sb. reminding you of my request. Thank you!
Mr. Yawar Nawaz (PCS/BS-19) Additional Collector Customs:
Present Posting: Secretary FBR.
Preferred Posting: Collectorate of Customs (SAPT), Karachi; Collectorate of Customs Appraisement (West), Karachi; Collectorate of Customs (J1AP), Karachi; and Collectorate of Customs (Exports), Karachi.”
FBR noted that this incident violated the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964, as well as specific FBR directives regarding undue influence for obtaining “choice postings,” referenced in the circular dated 20.08.2024.
The FBR expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing culture of officers and officials using external influence for preferred field assignments. It warned that this trend undermines the integrity of the organization and sets a poor example for junior officers. The use of such influence constitutes “misconduct” under both the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020, and can lead to dismissal from service.
As a result, the officer was suspended via notification dated 25.02.2025, and a direct Show Cause Notice was issued on 24.02.2025 under Rule-6, read with Rule-7 of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020, charging him with misconduct.
In his response, the accused officer denied the misconduct charges, asserting that he had not sought external influence for his transfer. He explained that his family resides in Karachi, making it difficult to manage personal affairs from Islamabad. He speculated that a member of his extended family may have made the request to political circles without his awareness or consent.
The officer also submitted a formal undertaking pledging that, in the future, no member of his extended family would reach out to any political or external party to influence his postings.
Upon reviewing the evidence and considering the affidavit and assurance provided, the Authority concluded that the benefit of doubt should be extended to the officer. Taking a lenient stance, it decided to clear the officer of the misconduct charge under Rule-7(e) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020. The officer has been reinstated, and the period of suspension will be counted as duty time.
