The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has enforced disciplinary measures against a senior Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officer after an internal investigation confirmed serious lapses in performance and conduct. Acting on the Prime Minister’s directions, the officer has been temporarily demoted as part of the penalty.
Muhammad Asim Khattak, who was posted as Chief (Admin Pool) at FBR Headquarters in Islamabad, was subjected to formal proceedings under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. The inquiry was initiated on January 27, 2025, following the issuance of a charge sheet that outlined multiple allegations related to inefficiency and professional misconduct.
The investigation was carried out by a senior officer of BS-21 rank, who submitted the inquiry report on March 27, 2025. The findings concluded that the majority of the charges—four out of five—were established. Based on these conclusions, the inquiry officer proposed a major penalty, recommending that the officer be reduced in rank from Commissioner Inland Revenue (BS-20) to Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue (BS-19) for a one-year period.
In line with due process, a show-cause notice was served on April 29, 2025, allowing the officer time to submit his explanation. After reviewing the response, the Prime Minister appointed the Member (IR-Operations) as the hearing authority. A personal hearing was subsequently conducted on August 27, 2025, to consider the officer’s defense.
After evaluating the inquiry findings and hearing recommendations, the Prime Minister approved the demotion under the relevant disciplinary rules. Along with the reduction in rank, the officer’s performance allowance has been withheld for the duration of the penalty, with the possibility of reinstatement subject to performance review.
The officer has the option to challenge the decision by filing an appeal under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977, within 30 days of the issuance of the order. The action highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to reinforce accountability, discipline, and efficiency within Pakistan’s revenue administration.