The interim government has strongly condemned the ongoing protest by a section of National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials, describing the movement as "deliberate and malicious" and "directly opposed to the national interest and the rights of citizens."
In a statement issued on Sunday at the Chief Adviser’s Facebook page, the government asserted that the so-called movement, now in its second month, is a planned act to obstruct necessary reforms in the revenue system.
The authorities accused protesting officials of creating severe disruptions in trade, imports, exports, and tax collection across the country, causing widespread public and economic distress.
“The so-called movement is not only unjust and unethical but also deeply harmful to the nation’s interests,” the government said, alleging that the protest has severely undermined efforts to modernize and reform the country’s fragile revenue collection system.
Despite repeated calls for dialogue and compromise, the statement notes that the movement’s organizers have shown inflexibility, choosing to escalate tensions rather than work toward solutions.
The government said that during the last two months of the fiscal year—an especially critical time for revenue collection—these disruptions have significantly impacted the national economy.
Citing national interest, the government has declared all roles within NBR’s Customs Houses, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Bond Commissionerates, and Customs Stations as Essential Services. This measure aims to ensure uninterrupted functioning of key trade and customs operations.
Authorities have urged all officials to return to their duties without delay, warning that continued defiance will force the government to take strict measures to protect public welfare and economic stability.
The restructuring of the NBR, long demanded by economic experts and stakeholders, is expected to begin immediately with input from all relevant parties.
