The Excise and Taxation Department in Islamabad has been embroiled in controversy over allegations of favoritism towards a specific officer, an Excise Taxation Officer (ETO) deputed from Punjab. According to sources, the department has violated rules and regulations to benefit this officer, sparking concerns about nepotism and corruption.
The ETO in question has reportedly been allowed to exceed the standard deputation period of three years, with a possible two-year extension. Despite completing five years in Islamabad administration, the officer was allowed to return to Punjab only to come back again and be permanently absorbed, bypassing service rules that require officers to serve five years in their parent department post-deputation.
This is not the only irregularity alleged to have been committed in favor of the ETO. The officer’s office has been described as functioning like a private den, with agents and strongmen dominating the space. The ETO’s private staff has been accused of negotiating registration fee discounts with agents under the guise of discretionary powers, and selected agents have been granted waivers for FBR tax, CVT, and advance tax.
Furthermore, the ETO’s office is alleged to be issuing fake challans daily for commercial and company vehicle registrations, resulting in embezzlement worth crores. The officer’s role in this alleged scam has raised questions about how the ETO is able to manipulate official processes without oversight.
One of the most striking aspects of this case is the apparent lack of authority exercised by senior officials in the department. The Chief Commissioner, Secretary, DG, or Director Excise have no legal authority to waive FBR taxes, yet the ETO seems to be operating with impunity. The fact that the ETO does not sign daily dispatch or registration books himself has also sparked questions about who is performing these official tasks.
The allegations against the ETO have sparked demands for action from authorities, including the Chairman FBR, Secretary, and DG Excise. It is being demanded that the allegedly illegally appointed ETO be removed from their position and a departmental inquiry be launched against the officer and those involved in the fee manipulation and embezzlement racket.
The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government departments, particularly when it comes to appointments and financial transactions. As more details emerge about the alleged scam, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to these serious allegations and whether they will take action to restore public trust in the Excise and Taxation Department.
