Shah Bano, FBR Senior Officer, Slams Promotions during Controversy Surrounding Power Board
Karachi: Shah Bano, a top official of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), recently made a statement regarding the current problems faced by the High Power Board. In a press conference, she explained that the stay order she had obtained against the board was not detrimental to anyone. Bano said that the board has already been disbanded, and a new one will only be established once the Prime Minister orders it.
Bano expressed concern about the promotion of junior officers to senior positions without qualifications. She noted that such officers were getting promotions and assuming major responsibilities for which they were not qualified. Bano emphasized that her stay order was to stop the promotion of a “dubious team” that had been engaged in illegal activities and that promoting them would only legitimize their actions.
Bano also touched upon the matter of Grade 19 officers occupying Grade 20 posts. She pointed out that they are illegally possessing powers reserved for Grade 20 officers. If promoted to greater grades, their previous acts would appear valid, which would nullify the stay order.
Bano clarified that her actions were not motivated by personal ambition or professional advancement. Rather, she asserted that her actions were in the interest of safeguarding Pakistan’s best interests. She alleged that experienced officers have been pushed aside to accommodate junior officers who are being promoted to upper ranks to hide their past misconducts.
The press conference also brought to the limelight the issues of internal turmoil in the FBR and created serious questions about the unfair promotion process. Bano’s statements have initiated a wider debate about how transparency and accountability are a must when it comes to government appointments and promotions.
