Finance ministry calls for withdrawal of 'March to NBR'

Despite hopeful remarks, protesters remain firm in their demands

The finance ministry has called on the protesting National Board of Revenue (NBR) staff to withdraw their programme, assuring them of a review of the transfer order and amendments to the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance.

The call was made in a media statement from the finance ministry on Friday.

The protesting workers, however, are calling on supporters via their Facebook page to ensure the success of Saturday’s “March to NBR” programme.

The ministry said, “A discussion was held at the financial advisor’s office on Thursday to resolve the impasse caused by the ongoing movement under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Council.

“The meeting, chaired by the finance advisor and attended by top finance officials and 16 NBR board members, saw no participation from the protesting NBR workers.”

After the meeting, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan told journalists that a resolution could be reached “within today” if the protesters made a decision.

Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed said another meeting is scheduled for next week, where a final decision may be made.

Despite these hopeful remarks, the protesters remained firm in their demands and ongoing programmes.

Meanwhile, the finance ministry statement read: “The government hopes that through discussions at the meeting scheduled for the 1st of July, necessary amendments will be made to the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance by the 31st of July based on everyone's views.”

In May, after the interim government enacted an ordinance to split the NBR into two separate divisions — Revenue Policy and Revenue Management — employees launched a series of protests, including pen-downs, demanding the move be scrapped.

The caretaker administration later backed off, saying any implementation would involve discussions with NBR staff.

Although employees returned to work, protesters maintained their call for the resignation of the NBR chief and declared him “unwelcome” at the office.

Later, the chairman returned under tight security provided by the army and law-enforcing agencies.

The NBR Reform Unity Council has declared that all tax, customs, and VAT offices will face a “continuous complete shutdown” from Saturday if the chairman is not removed by Friday. Simultaneously, a “March to NBR” programme was announced from all offices.