The interim government has taken a firm stance to resolve the ongoing crisis in the country’s revenue administration. In an official statement issued on Sunday, the government noted that due to weaknesses, irregularities, and corruption in the revenue sector, the state is facing serious limitations in implementing the national budget. In light of this, the government has decided to restructure the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
According to the government, some officials and employees have been deliberately obstructing long-term revenue reform initiatives. For the past two months, they have disrupted import-export, trade, and revenue collection activities across the country. The statement described these actions as “unethical and unjust,” claiming that such movements have caused severe suffering to the economy and the citizens.
The government emphasized that despite clear calls for dialogue, the protesters refused to engage. It asserted that in the final two months of the fiscal year, these officials intentionally hindered revenue collection efforts, which directly goes against the national interest.
Essential Service Declaration
To address the situation, the government has announced a major decision. The statement declared that, in the interest of the nation and to keep essential trade operations running, all jobs under NBR—across customs houses, ICDs, bond commissionerates, and customs stations are now designated as “essential services.”
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The government expressed hope that this declaration will prompt the concerned officials and staff to return to their workplaces immediately and stop their disruptive actions that are damaging the economy. Otherwise, the government warned that it will be forced to take strict measures to protect public interest and the economy.
Government Committed to Revenue Reform
The statement further affirmed the government’s commitment to making the revenue collection system modern, transparent, and accountable. Necessary reforms, including the restructuring of the NBR, will be carried out, and no obstruction in this regard will be tolerated.
With this declaration, the government has clearly taken a strong position and aims to bring the dissatisfaction and unofficial strike within NBR under control.
If implemented effectively, this move is expected to normalize the flow of trade in the country. However, much depends on how the officials and employees respond to the government’s directive in the coming days.
