Salehuddin calls meeting with BCS Tax, Customs officials over NBR reform dispute

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has called a meeting with representatives from the BCS (Tax) and BCS (Customs and Excise) cadres on Thursday to address ongoing unrest surrounding the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

The meeting, scheduled for 5 PM at the finance adviser's office in the Secretariat, aims to resolve tensions related to the recently issued Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance.

The move comes amid renewed protests by NBR officials and employees under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Council. Since Sunday, the council has resumed pen-down strikes and sit-ins, reiterating its demands for changes to the ordinance.

“The government hopes this discussion will help resolve misunderstandings and lead to consensus-based amendments to the ordinance by July 31, 2025,” the finance ministry said.

Dr. Salehuddin has urged all NBR staff to remain at their posts and prioritize revenue collection as the 2024–25 fiscal year nears its end.

The ministry’s statement also provided background on the reform initiative, noting longstanding calls from civil society, economists, business leaders, and development partners to separate policy formulation from implementation to boost efficiency.

In response, the interim government formed an advisory committee on NBR reform on October 9, 2024. Acting on its recommendations, the Advisory Council gave in-principle approval on January 16, 2025, to separate the policy and operational functions of the revenue administration.

Members of the BCS (Tax) and BCS (Customs and Excise) cadres, guided by their association leaders and in consultation with stakeholders, drafted the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025. The draft was submitted to the NBR Chairman in early March and was formally promulgated on May 12, 2025, after presidential approval.

However, the ordinance sparked strong internal opposition, leading to widespread protests and demands for its withdrawal.

In response, a meeting was held on May 20 between the finance adviser and 13 representatives of the NBR Reform Unity Council. It was agreed that amendments would be made in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Revenue Reform Committee.

Although protests were briefly suspended following a May 25 assurance from the finance adviser, demonstrations resumed on June 22 over concerns about the pace and scope of the proposed amendments.