The Retired Tax Officers’ Welfare Association has voiced grave concern over mounting unrest and dissatisfaction among officials and employees of the Income Tax, Customs, and VAT departments centering the ongoing reforms within the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

In a press statement, the association warned that the situation, if not addressed promptly, could pose a serious threat to the country’s revenue collection system and overall economic stability.

The Association strongly criticised attempts by what it termed a “vested interest group” to derail reform proposals made by the Revenue Reform Committee, headed by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.

It said such obstruction driven by narrow group interests has led to a deadlock in revenue administration, which is detrimental to the national economy.

At a time when the Chief Adviser is striving to revitalize a stagnant and debt-ridden economy through dynamic leadership and a comprehensive reform program, these conspiratorial activities within the revenue administration cannot be taken lightly, the statement said.

The association reaffirmed its confidence in the dedication and integrity of the cadre officers and employees serving in the tax, customs, and VAT departments.

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However, it noted that ongoing attempts to undermine their rights and marginalise their roles in the reform process have made it impossible for them to remain silent.

Stressing that all revenue-related policies and operations must be handled by experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable revenue officials, the association said this is essential in the greater interest of the nation.

Referring to practices in developed countries, it pointed out how tax policies and their implementation are overseen by expert professionals and urged the government to follow suit.

It called upon the government to urgently resolve the ongoing unrest in the revenue administration by accepting the just demands of the BCS (Taxation) Association and BCS (Customs, Excise and VAT) Association.