The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Government of Pakistan, has issued a notification regarding disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Muhammad Shahzad Khan, a Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) officer of BS-19. Mr. Khan, who previously held the position of Additional Collector at the Collectorate of Customs (Appraisement), Quetta, and is currently serving as Secretary at FBR Headquarters, Islamabad, was subjected to an inquiry for allegedly passing three Orders-in-Original after relinquishing his charge from the Quetta Collectorate. This action was deemed unauthorized and led to the initiation of proceedings under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.
An Order of Inquiry dated November 26, 2024, along with a charge sheet detailing allegations of “Misconduct” and “Corruption,” was served to Mr. Khan. The charges were framed under Rule 2(1)(k) and Rule 3(b) & (c) of the said Rules. Ms. Ayesha Niaz, PCS/BS-20, was appointed as the Inquiry Officer to evaluate the conduct of the accused officer. After careful examination, the Inquiry Officer submitted her findings on February 17, 2025. She concluded that the charge of “Misconduct” was established, while the allegation of “Corruption” could not be substantiated due to insufficient evidence.
Based on the Inquiry Officer’s recommendations, a Show Cause Notice dated March 6, 2025, was served to Mr. Khan under Rule 16(6). The notice called upon him to explain why a major penalty should not be imposed. Mr. Khan responded to the notice on March 24, 2025, denying the allegations and requesting a personal hearing, which was duly granted and held on May 6, 2025. During the hearing, both Mr. Khan and the Departmental Representative, Mr. Kaleemullah, Additional Collector from Quetta, presented their respective arguments. Mr. Khan reiterated his position as stated in his written reply.
After reviewing the records, written submissions, and hearing proceedings, the Secretary Revenue Division and Chairman FBR, acting as the competent authority under Rule 2(1)(c), concluded that while the procedural lapse committed by Mr. Khan did qualify as misconduct, it was not found to be driven by malafide intent. In light of this and taking a lenient view, the authority decided to impose a minor penalty of “Censure” instead of the initially recommended major penalty of reduction to a lower post and pay scale. The decision was made under Rule 4(2)(a) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020.
The notification also states that Mr. Khan has the right to appeal this decision under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977, within 30 days from the date of communication. The official notification has been circulated to all relevant FBR offices and departments, including the officer concerned and the AGPR Office. The case reflects the importance of procedural compliance in official duties while also highlighting the principle of proportionality in disciplinary decisions.
