NBR chief hints at moving forward with separation ordinance amid opposition from officials

Amid opposition from tax and customs cadre officials over the draft ordinance to abolish the existing National Board of Revenue (NBR) structure and form two separate divisions — Revenue Policy and Revenue Management — the institution's chief has indicated that the ordinance is moving forward to be issued.

Responding to journalists' questions after an event in a city hotel, on Sunday (4 May), NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said, "This ordinance is no longer in our hands; it is now with the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Since it has been approved by the cabinet [advisory council], we must assume that it is going to be passed."

The Advisory Council approved the draft ordinance on 17 April to split the NBR into two bodies – Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Management Division.

After coming to the surface of the draft ordinance, discontent grew among tax and customs cadre officials. 

They argued that the move strategically places the revenue department under the authority of the administration cadre officials and have been demanding its cancellation. 

Members of the government-appointed five-member advisory committee have claimed that their recommendations were ignored in the draft.

The NBR chairman said, "Our policy-maker and senior officials are aware of this."

However, he added that if amendments are required later, they will be made after discussions. 

"If any amendment is needed, it will be done in a way that makes implementation possible, after consulting everyone."

 "Since this is an ordinance, it will require notifications and a lot of preparation for implementation. All parties involved must agree. We have partners, and everyone needs to come to an agreement. It is a time-consuming process," he said,

"Back in 2009, an order was issued regarding NBR separation, but it didn't happen because not everyone supported it. So this time, it will only happen if there is consensus. Otherwise, implementation will not be easy."

Addressing the aggrieved tax and customs officials, he said, "They should now focus on their work. If they want it [ordinance], it will happen. If they don't, it won't."