The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has dismissed a Karachi-based tax official for illegally accessing the FBR’s electronic database and issuing unauthorized notices and orders to taxpayers.
According to an official notification, the officer unlawfully accessed taxpayer data and issued illegal notices and orders to 134 taxpayers. He also generated 91 fake orders, notices, and letters in the names and designations of senior tax officers. The FBR stated that the official had established a parallel and unauthorized system for personal gain.
Disciplinary proceedings were initially initiated against Muhammad Khalid, Inspector Inland Revenue (IR), RTO-I, Karachi, who was placed under suspension with effect from June 23, 2016. A charge sheet under the Government Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973, was issued on January 5, 2017. However, due to the record remaining in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for an extended period, the proceedings remained pending for over five years.
As a result, the earlier proceedings were closed, and the officer was reinstated on December 23, 2021. Subsequently, fresh disciplinary proceedings were initiated under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, on charges of inefficiency, misconduct, and corruption.
An inquiry officer of BS-20 rank was appointed but was unable to complete the inquiry due to the non-availability of records with the FIA. The required forensic and documentary record was eventually received on August 6, 2025, after which a comprehensive inquiry report was submitted.
After examining the FIA’s forensic analysis, confronting the accused officer with the evidence, and reviewing his replies, the inquiry concluded that the officer failed to present a credible defense. The charge of unauthorized access to the FBR e-portal and illegal use of taxpayer data was fully established.
The inquiry further found that the officer unlawfully occupied an office room without authorization, where he operated a parallel system. He was also found guilty of keeping official electronic and physical records, along with personal belongings, without any lawful authority or official assignment.
Moreover, the officer failed to respond to allegations relating to 91 fake orders and notices, which were formally disowned by the then Deputy Commissioners Inland Revenue in whose names they were issued. Forensic analysis confirmed unauthorized access to the FBR database and the issuance of illegal notices and orders to multiple taxpayers.
The inquiry officer concluded that the accused was given a fair opportunity to be heard, and claims to the contrary were found to be unsubstantiated.
Based on the established facts, the FBR determined that the charges of inefficiency and misconduct, as defined under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, stood proven. Consequently, a major penalty of removal from service was imposed on the accused officer.
