The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Wednesday issued 14 directives to its Customs and VAT officials, aiming to promote discipline, professionalism, and a reform-friendly approach in order to create a favourable environment for investment and business.
Officials from various customs houses, VAT commissionerates, and other related departments under the two wings have been instructed to comply with these directives, which were signed by NBR Member Farzana Afrose.
In the office order, the customs administration emphasised that commissioners and directors general must ensure the timely arrival and effective attendance of officers and staff. They must also ensure that no one leaves the workplace without permission.
A comprehensive list of all services provided by the departments (in accordance with applicable laws, rules, SROs, notifications, standing orders, special orders, office orders, etc) must be included in the Citizen's Charter and displayed on the respective websites by September 30.
Additionally, a time-bound action plan for the introduction of D-Documents in the departments should be prepared and submitted to the NBR by September 30, with the aim of providing services as quickly as possible.
The directives also state that commissioners and directors general will assign duty officers on a daily roster basis starting October 1, to expedite service delivery in their respective departments. Department heads are required to issue office orders outlining the duties and functions of these duty officers, taking departmental priorities into consideration.
To maintain an uninterrupted supply chain, offices other than customs houses (which operate 24/7) and land customs (LC) stations should extend their hours beyond the prescribed time, subject to NBR approval as needed.
The NBR also directed officials to ensure professionalism and passenger-friendly behaviour, particularly towards migrant workers, at airports.
