The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended six officials for being unauthorizedly absent from their assigned monitoring duties at sugar mills. This action underscores the FBR’s strict zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct and negligence.
The suspended officials had been deployed under Section 40B of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, to ensure transparent and uninterrupted supervision of sugar production. The FBR emphasized that these monitoring duties are critical for preventing tax theft and maintaining compliance within the sugar industry.
The absences were detected during routine verification carried out by the Large Tax Office (LTO) Lahore. The LTO oversees the attendance, conduct, and performance of field monitoring teams in its jurisdiction. The lapse prompted immediate disciplinary action to maintain accountability.
In response to the violation, the LTO Lahore has proposed full disciplinary proceedings against the concerned officials, following applicable rules and procedures. Immediate suspension was ordered to prevent any compromise in the ongoing monitoring process and ensure strict adherence to assigned responsibilities.
An FBR spokesperson reiterated the organization’s commitment to high standards of discipline, integrity, and professionalism. “Any dereliction of duty, misconduct, or non-compliance with monitoring duties will be addressed firmly under the law,” the statement read.
The FBR deployed special teams to sugar mills nationwide in November to curb tax evasion and ensure proper reporting of production. Sugar, being a notified commodity, remains under continuous oversight to protect revenue and prevent malpractice.
Officials emphasized that strict supervision and regular field inspections are crucial for maintaining transparency in sugar production and sales. The suspension of these six officials sends a clear message about the consequences of failing to perform assigned monitoring duties.
The FBR continues to monitor all field operations closely, ensuring that deployed teams fulfill their responsibilities professionally and efficiently. This action reinforces the agency’s commitment to accountability and lawful conduct across all its departments.
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