In a recent and decisive move by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the disciplinary case against Syed Ali Raza Shah, Inspector Customs (BS-17), has reached its conclusion with the imposition of a major penalty. This case, rooted in charges of inefficiency, misconduct, and corruption, underscores the Federal Government’s increasing emphasis on institutional accountability and procedural integrity.
While posted at the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Islamabad, and later transferred to the Directorate of Internal Audit-South (Customs), Karachi, Syed Ali Raza Shah became the subject of disciplinary proceedings under the Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020. A show-cause notice was issued on June 3, 2025, following serious allegations involving the disappearance of a vehicle from a state warehouse. However, the proceedings were complicated by the officer’s continuous absence from duty since his transfer on April 30, 2025, which delayed formal service of the notice.
Despite these hurdles, the accused was afforded a personal hearing on June 25, 2025, where he appeared alongside the Departmental Representative, Dr. Mudassir Rafiq, Deputy Collector Customs. During the hearing, Syed Ali Raza Shah acknowledged that Sepoy Muhammad Attiq had recorded the exit of the vehicle in question on February 2, 2022, under his supervision. He claimed,
however, that the vehicle was not actually removed from the warehouse due to its poor condition and denied any further knowledge of its whereabouts. Contradicting his statement, the Departmental Representative submitted that the vehicle had indeed been removed from the warehouse as per orders of Syed Ali Raza Shah and was never returned. This assertion was based on findings from a fact-finding inquiry.
Upon reviewing all written submissions, oral statements, and available records, the Authority found substantial evidence supporting the charge that the vehicle’s exit was authorized by the inspector and never accounted for afterward. The absence of corrective entries in the warehouse logbook further solidified the case against him.
The Authority concluded that the vehicle’s disappearance constituted a confirmed case of misconduct and inefficiency on the part of the officer, thereby validating the charges leveled against him.
Given that Syed Ali Raza Shah is set to retire on June 30, 2025, the FBR opted for a measured approach by choosing a major penalty of recovery instead of harsher disciplinary actions such as dismissal.
In doing so, the Authority imposed the penalty of recovering the entire pecuniary loss caused to the government by deducting the depreciated value of the missing vehicle from his pension or commutation. This calculation will be based on the vehicle’s value at the time it was reported missing and will follow prescribed official rules.
This decision demonstrates the government’s continued efforts to enforce internal discipline and financial accountability within the civil service, particularly in institutions managing sensitive assets like customs enforcement. The case also serves as a reminder to public servants about the repercussions of neglecting official duties and mismanaging state property.
Moreover, the officer retains his right to appeal under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977 within thirty days, ensuring that procedural fairness and due process are upheld even in disciplinary matters. The FBR’s measured yet firm approach reinforces its commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, especially at a time when institutional credibility and public trust remain paramount.
