Unscheduled Absence or Late Attendance to Be Punished as Authorities Aim to Ensure Discipline and Smooth Revenue Operations

In response to the ongoing agitation under the banner of the “NBR Reform Unity Council,” the government has announced strict disciplinary measures for officials and employees under the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The movement, which has disrupted key economic and revenue activities across the country, has prompted NBR to issue a stern directive to all of its field offices.

A press release issued on Friday night by the NBR expressed deep concern over the disruptions caused by the ongoing protest. It stated that due to the movement, citizens are being deprived of essential services from various field-level offices responsible for vital functions like tax collection, customs clearance, and VAT processing.

According to the directive, any official or employee under the NBR who remains absent from duty, leaves office without prior permission, or reports to work late will face disciplinary action under existing government service rules. “Such actions are in violation of office discipline and are considered punishable offenses,” the release noted.

The NBR emphasized the need to maintain office discipline, particularly during the last three working days of the fiscal year, a critical period for national revenue collection. The statement called on all customs houses, income tax commissionerates, and customs, excise, and VAT commissionerates to operate efficiently and ensure uninterrupted public services.

To this end, the NBR has instructed all commissioners under its jurisdiction to ensure the regular attendance of their officers and staff and to maintain a high level of service delivery. The goal is to keep business operations, imports, and exports running smoothly while maximizing revenue collection efforts during the closing days of the fiscal year.

The statement also outlined the correct protocol for leaving the office during working hours. Any official needing to leave their workplace must obtain prior approval from the head of their department and make a formal entry in the designated “Office Leave Register” kept on-site.

Reiterating its firm stance, the NBR concluded that any violation of these instructions — including absence without leave, unauthorized early departures, or late arrivals — would be met with punishment according to government rules.

This development comes amid heightened tensions as NBR employees continue to demand various reforms. However, the government appears determined to keep revenue operations running and minimize service disruption, especially during a crucial time for the nation’s economic management.