The NBR Reform Unity Council, currently staging protests, has urged Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to urgently intervene and resolve the ongoing deadlock at the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Leaders of the alliance made the call during a press conference held in the capital on Thursday.
The alliance has demanded the removal of NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan by Friday. If this demand is not met by the deadline, a nationwide “shutdown” of NBR offices and all customs and tax offices will begin from Saturday.
On the same day, the protesters have also announced a “March to NBR” program, in which officials from across the country are expected to gather in the capital.
At the press conference, Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabdar, president of the NBR Reform Unity Council, said: “There is no alternative to the chairman’s removal if we are to restore reform and efficiency at the NBR. The institution has become practically dysfunctional.”
As of 4:45pm, law enforcement personnel had sealed off the main gate and all entry points of the NBR building. Both entry and exit of staff were being strictly controlled. The overall situation inside the building was tense.
Amid the intensifying protests against the NBR chairman, those concerned have expressed fears that revenue collection and implementation of the budget could be adversely affected.
They say intervention from the highest levels of government is now essential to bring a swift end to the ongoing paralysis.
