Finance adviser urges NBR officials to resume work with transparency, accountability

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today (30 June) expressed satisfaction over the withdrawal of the recent strike by officials and staff of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the resumption of port operations, urging the revenue officials to work sincerely and impartially in the future.

"We are happy today. The chief adviser was also involved in resolving the issue. The NBR matter has been settled, the port is operational again," he said while addressing reporters at an event held at the Ministry of Finance to mark the completion of the first year of the government's new online database system for state-owned enterprises and autonomous bodies.

The system facilitates budget reporting, debt and contingent liability analysis, and overall performance assessment.

Recalling the disruption, Salehuddin said, "We were facing some trouble in the middle. I informed the chief adviser, who suggested allowing the NBR officials to speak. A committee has been formed to engage with them. He advised me to meet with them later, not immediately."

When asked about the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) ongoing inquiries against six NBR officials allegedly involved in the protest, the adviser declined to comment.

"I won't speak about the ACC. They have their own terms of reference. If needed, you should ask them directly. So far, there has been no interference from the government in their work," he said.

Commenting on the losses caused by the protest, he termed it "very unfortunate" and said the impact on businesses was significant.

"I had a long meeting with business leaders yesterday (29 June), and even today, several called me saying they incurred huge losses. This kind of disruption is unacceptable under any circumstances. Disagreements with the government may happen, but halting a national service like port operations is unjustifiable," Salehuddin said.

He added, "We may have differences with them. I have said this long ago. But shutting down a port is not like closing a private biscuit or Coca-Cola factory. This is a matter of the state. You are paid by the government. Revenue collection cannot be stopped like that."

He, however, acknowledged that the issue has now been resolved and expressed hope that the advisory committee, led by five advisers, will continue to listen and work toward a long-term solution.

When asked if he had a message for the NBR officials, the finance adviser said, "My advice to them is to perform their duties properly. If you work impartially, no one will have any problem with you. Serve the people with transparency and accountability. Those who have done so throughout their careers have not faced trouble. Only those who deviate from this path eventually become subject to accountability."