The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has started investigation against a senior customs official of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC), Lahore for concealing banks accounts, membership of a luxurious club, cash gifts in millions and expensive property.
Sources told Business Recorder on Tuesday that an additional collector (BS-19) of MCC, Lahore has committed acts of omissions resulting in inefficiency, misconduct and corruption.
According to FBR, the official had concealed his membership of a luxurious club, Lahore along with the membership fee of Rs 450,000 while filing his declaration of assets. While filing annual declaration of assets, the customs official also concealed foreign bank accounts and educational expenses of his children studying at an expensive school.
He purchased two plots in Lahore, but did not obtain prior permission required under Rule 1.1 of Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964. The recent declaration made by the official reflected cash gift involving million of rupees from his father and father-in-law without explaining credit worthiness of donors.
Therefore, the FBR has called an explanation of the official that why the disciplinary proceedings are not initiated against him on account of these charges. The order has clearly reflected that the FBR is unable to change the mindset of tax officials, who are still indulged in corrupt practices despite obtaining double pay packages etc.
The tax administration reform programme and so-called integrity checks of tax officials have also failed to control corruption among the tax machinery. The board had directed the Chief Collectors of Customs, North and South to pay surprise visits to the MCCs for checking corruption among the customs officials.