The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the administrative reforms involving the creation of a new revenue policy and implementation department will proceed only after extensive consultations with the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Advisory Committee on Fiscal Policy Reforms, and other key stakeholders.
In a press release issued on Thursday (May 22), the ministry emphasized that necessary amendments to the proposed ordinance will be made to protect the interests of the customs and tax cadres (BCS Tax and BCS Duty & Excise) and that the ordinance will not be implemented immediately.
It also clarified that implementing the ordinance requires several time-consuming steps, including forming new organizational structures, creating posts, obtaining approval from various government divisions, and revising existing legal frameworks. As such, there is no immediate possibility of dissolving the NBR.
The release noted that during mediation efforts on Tuesday, the government fully accepted a compromise proposal submitted by the Unity Council—a coalition opposing the reform—through talks facilitated by two former NBR members. However, despite the agreement, the Council later withdrew from the process and declined to resume work.
The ministry reiterated that all functions of the NBR will continue under the current structure and system, and that no existing positions in the customs or tax cadre will be reduced. Instead, reforms are expected to increase the number of posts and open up greater promotion opportunities, including potential appointments to the rank of secretary.
Lastly, the Finance Ministry urged all NBR officers and staff, particularly those involved in the national budget and year-end revenue collection, to remain at their posts during office hours and continue delivering services to taxpayers in the national interest.
