The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed significant amendments to tax laws to make the asset declarations of civil servants publicly accessible, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in public service.
According to a draft notification issued on Tuesday, the proposal aligns with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s call for greater openness in asset disclosure processes. Under the proposed amendments, all government officers from Grade 17 to Grade 22 will be required to file detailed asset declarations, which will be available for public viewing—allowing citizens to review an officer’s assets from the date of joining service to the present.
The definition of “public servant” will cover officers from federal and provincial governments, autonomous bodies, and public corporations, except those exempt under the NAB Ordinance, 1999.
The FBR has invited feedback and objections within seven days of the draft’s release, noting that late submissions will not be considered.
Proposed under Section 237 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, the amendments are designed to strengthen administrative transparency, improve monitoring of civil servants’ financial records, and align Pakistan’s governance framework with international best practices and IMF standards.
