FBR directs officers to return reward money

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed 42 of its officers to return the stipends, incentives and awards granted to them by the former Inland Revenue Corporate Regional Tax Office (CRTO) Karachi chief commissioner.

According to documents, the additional commissioner headquarter has written a letter to 42 officials of CRTO including IR Additional Commissioner Imran Ali Sheikh, to deposit the sanctioned amount in the government’s treasury through the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), within two days.

According to the letter, IR CRTO Karachi former chief commissioner had sanctioned stipends, incentives and awards to IR CRTO Karachi officers without consultation of the FBR.

Earlier, it was reported that CRTO former chief commissioner disbursed Rs21.2 million as favors to selected officers.

A grade-19 additional commissioner was given a Rs2.6 million performance reward, which was equal to 36 times his basic monthly salary. Similarly, a deputy commissioner-level officer was given Rs2.8 million, which also equals to 36 times or three years worth of his basic salary.

Earlier on June 8, after receiving information about the alleged irregularity, the FBR sought explanation from the former chief commissioner. Meanwhile, during the last week, FBR has also asked a number of customs officers to deposit the reward money granted to them.

The Economic Coordination Commission (ECC) of the cabinet last week also dropped its agenda pertaining to cash rewards or honorarium.

According to official sources, the government has asked the FBR to get money back from its officials as it will not be giving any cash rewards to officials of the Finance Ministry and other departments.

It is pertinent to mention here that the FBR gives more than Rs500 million in cash rewards to its employees every year.