NBR officials announce complete shutdown from June 28

The NBR Reform Unity Council, a platform comprising officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), on Monday placed four demands, including the removal of the NBR chairman. The council also announced a complete shutdown of all NBR offices starting Saturday (June 28) if their demands are not met.

The announcement came during a press briefing at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon.

Alleging a lack of fair representation in the NBR’s reform process, officers and employees observed a four-hour pen-down strike from 9:00 am. In a symbolic protest, many wrapped themselves in shrouds and staged a sit-in at the premises.

Protesters began gathering in front of the NBR building before 9:00 am. The programme had been previously announced on June 21.

Amid the strike, five officials from the Income Tax Division were transferred with immediate effect, sparking strong criticism from the demonstrators. Protesters, clad in shrouds, chanted slogans such as: “We reject the drama of transfers,” “We reject the ordinance of servitude,” and “Stop oppression in the name of transfer.”

Law enforcement personnel were present at the NBR compound during the demonstration.

In May, the government split the NBR into two separate wings — Revenue Management and Revenue Policy — through an ordinance. In response, officials launched protests, including pen-down strikes, demanding that the ordinance be repealed.

Following earlier protests, the government assured employees it would hold discussions before implementing the new structure. While staff temporarily resumed duties, they have continued to call for the NBR chairman’s resignation, even declaring him “unwelcome” at the office.

The chairman later returned under tight security provided by the military and law enforcement agencies.

The recent transfer of several protest leaders has been labeled “intentional and undemocratic” by insiders.

“This is not a normal administrative move; it’s a well-planned conspiracy to weaken the revenue reform effort,” said one official, requesting anonymity. “Effective and meaningful reform cannot be achieved without the participation of the NBR Reform Unity Council. We will never recognise such decisions as legitimate.”

Another official added, “We strongly reject the fascist behavior of the NBR’s top authorities.”