IRS officers call off pen-down strike against FBR restructuring

ISLAMABAD: The Inland Revenue Service Officers Association (IRSOA) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn its call for a pen-down strike on Monday 19 October against the proposed restructuring of the board. All officers at the FBR headquarters and field formations will now perform their duties as usual.

The association confirmed the withdrawal in a statement issued late last night. According to the statement, the reports in circulation about the proposed restructuring of the FBR reflected information that emerged during initial consultations. They had not been finalised, it said.

The statement said the top leadership of the FBR had assured the association that the interests of the Inland Revenue Service would be given top priority and fully protected during the reform process.

The IRSOA expressed confidence in the assurance of the top leadership. It said the association wished to continue constructive talks with the FBR in the wider interest of the Inland Revenue Service and the national exchequer.

Meanwhile, sources said the association withdrew the strike call because of heavy pressure from the FBR administration and the government. However, the association’s official statement gave the assurance of the top leadership and the clarification of statements about the proposed restructuring as the reasons for its decision.