Pakistan has taken another significant step toward meeting the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) reform agenda, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued draft amendments related to the asset disclosure of civil servants.
According to senior FBR officials, the proposed changes aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and administrative clarity. Notably, the term “civil servants” has been replaced with “public servants” to broaden the scope of individuals covered under the new rules.
The new definition includes officers from Grade 17 and above, encompassing those serving in the federal and provincial governments, as well as employees of autonomous bodies and public corporations. However, individuals exempted under the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance 1999 will not fall within this category.
The draft proposes that all officers in Grades 17 to 22 will be required to file their asset declarations directly with the FBR. These amendments are being introduced under Section 237 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.
The FBR has invited public feedback on the draft, giving stakeholders seven days to submit their comments or suggestions. Officials clarified that any input received after the deadline will not be entertained.
According to the FBR, the revisions are designed to create a more robust framework for asset declarations, improve inter-departmental information sharing, and reduce opportunities for corruption and tax evasion.
Officials emphasized that this move aligns with IMF conditions aimed at improving governance and strengthening financial accountability in Pakistan’s public sector.
The updated asset disclosure mechanism is expected to promote transparency, ensure compliance with global standards, and reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to institutional reforms as part of its ongoing IMF program.
