Islamabad High Court Halts FBR Promotions Amid Alleged PM Interference
The court's order has put on hold the promotion of FBR officers from Grade 21 to Grade 22 until March 12, and has directed the FBR chairman and Prime Minister's Office to submit affidavits confirming any involvement in the petitioner's placement in the admin pool, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the promotion process.
The Islamabad High Court has suspended the Federal Board of Revenue's meeting on promotions from Grade 21 to 22, following a petition from a senior civil servant who claims she was unfairly sidelined from promotion due to alleged interference from the Prime Minister's office.
The petitioner, Shah Bano, a senior FBR officer, alleges that her placement in the administrative pool damaged her career and blocked her promotion chances. She is seeking evaluation of her promotion based on her record before being sidelined, as well as a declaration that the Prime Minister's discretionary powers are unconstitutional. The court has directed the FBR chairman and Prime Minister's Office to submit affidavits confirming any involvement in the petitioner's placement in the admin pool.
The court expressed dissatisfaction over the FBR's reply, deeming it evasive and illogical. The FBR's argument that placing an officer in the admin pool enhances operational efficiency was rejected. The court also expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's interference in the promotions of FBR officers, which is against the law. The case has been deferred till March 12 for further proceedings.
The Islamabad High Court's decision to halt the FBR promotions is a significant development, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the promotion process. The court's concerns about the Prime Minister's interference in the promotions of FBR officers underscore the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of civil servants.
