The government has suspended eight officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for publicly tearing up their transfer letters amid a nearly two-month-long protest against proposed tax reforms.

In separate notifications issued on Tuesday, the Internal Resources Division (IRD) under the Ministry of Finance said the officials were suspended for displaying “gross misconduct and insubordination” after they defied transfer orders issued during their work abstention campaign.

The officials — five joint tax commissioners and three deputy tax commissioners — have been placed under suspension but will remain entitled to allowances as “special acting officials” during the period, the notices said.

According to the IRD, the transfer letters were issued on 22 June, directing the officials to report to their new posts within two days. 

However, on 24 June, the officials held a press conference where they tore up the orders in protest — an act the ministry described as “arrogant and unbecoming of public servants.”

Although the protest was formally withdrawn on 29 June following government intervention, authorities said legal and administrative measures would continue against those who had “seriously breached discipline.”

Since then, one customs commissioner has been suspended, while three officials have been sent into compulsory retirement. Meanwhile, anti-corruption investigations are ongoing against at least 16 NBR officials, officials said.

SMS/