Amendment to ordinance: Protesting NBR officials welcome move, but say strike will continue
In a press release issued by the NBR Reform Unity Parishad, a coalition of customs and tax cadre officers that has been leading the protest, on the night following the Ministry of Finance's official statement
The protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have welcomed the government's statement regarding the amendment to the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, under which the revenue board is set to be divided into two divisions.
However, they have announced that their strike programme will continue from Saturday, as four key demands, including repealing the ordinance, remain unmet, according to a press statement issued by the NBR Reform Unity Parishad, a coalition of customs and tax cadre officers that has been leading the protest, tonight (22 May).
The statement comes hours after the finance ministry announced that it has decided to amend the said ordinance, keeping the concerns of protesting officials in mind and due to the time-consuming tasks involved in implementing the relevant ordinance.
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The NBR Reform Unity Parishad release reads, "We once again welcome the government's goodwill, albeit delayed. We remain hopeful that specific assurances will soon be given to address our four just demands. However, until those demands are fulfilled, our previously announced program will continue from May 24, 2025 (Saturday)."
The demands for repealing the ordinance, removing the NBR Chairman, publishing the Revenue Reform Commission's recommendations on the official website, and ensuring sustainable reform of the revenue system based on input from relevant stakeholders were reiterated.
The press release stated that no specific assurances were provided in today's government statement regarding the four fundamental demands mentioned above. It also noted that the statement did not include any clear position on strengthening or protecting the NBR.
It further added, "The NBR Reform Unity Parishad is not aware of any acceptance of the compromise proposal referenced in today's press release (of the finance ministry)."
The statement also clarified, "We have not made any demands regarding the reduction or increase of posts in our previous programs, nor have we issued any statements on this matter."
