Two members of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are still working on key reform position and revenue forecasting without getting extension in their contracts since February 28, 2008.
Sources told Business Recorder on Thursday that the Member Tax Policy and Reforms (TP&R) Habib Fakhruddin and Member Fiscal Research and Statistics (FRS) Dr Ather Maqsood Ahmed were selected from the private sector for appointment on most important positions.
The contracts of both the Members TP&R and FRS expired on February 28 but the same have yet not been renewed by the government. The position of tax policy/reforms and revenue collection analysis has significant importance in the current circumstances, when the FBR has brought down revenue collection target from Rs 1.025 trillion to Rs 990 billion for 2007-2008.
It is not clear that either they are still employees of FBR or what is the legal justification for their working on the key positions. It is worth mentioning that both the member TP&R and FRS have shown excellent performance in smooth implementation of Tax Administration Reform Program (TARP) and broadening the tax-base. Contrary to this, both are confused and uncertain about their future as well as current position at the FBR.