Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday announced that the government will issue a gazette notification soon, accommodating the demands of the NBR officials to the possible extent, to formalise the separation of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into two divisions.
Earlier this month, an ordinance was issued splitting the NBR into two divisions: Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration. However, many NBR officials, particularly from the tax and customs cadres, alleged that they were left out of the decision-making process and sidelined in the new structure.
In response, they launched a pen-down strike demanding the inclusion of their interests and roles in the restructuring process.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with officials from the tax and customs cadres at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ahmed said, “The separation of NBR is now at the implementation stage. We are working on the gazette and hope to publish it soon. We will try to include as many of the officials’ demands as possible—whether through regulations or other means.”
The meeting was attended by Energy Adviser Faozul Kabir Khan, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, and the NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan.
Dr. Ahmed made it clear that no further formal meetings will be held with the protesting officials. “They have their own advisory committee. They can communicate through them. There will be no more formal discussions,” he said.
When asked whether the meeting was fruitful, the finance adviser responded, “Yes, it was a productive meeting.”
Regarding the timeline for the start of operations under the new structure, Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need to complete several administrative steps before the gazette is issued. “The budget will be presented on June 2. Before that, it’s not feasible,” he added.
On whether the protesting officials are satisfied, Dr. Ahmed stated, “We asked them to withdraw their protests. Whether they are satisfied or not is not my concern.”
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan noted that the finance ministry will now take further steps based on the inputs received during the meeting. “The advisers have listened to the concerns of the officials. The ministry will now proceed with the necessary actions,” he said.
Dr. Ahmed also clarified that the NBR will remain divided into two departments as per the government’s decision, and any misunderstandings on the issue have now been resolved.