The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recently announced a series of key appointments to the Inland Revenue Service (IRS), signaling a strategic move to strengthen tax administration and improve operational efficiency across Pakistan. The appointments cover critical areas of taxation, including Income Tax, Federal Excise, and Sales Tax, highlighting the government’s ongoing focus on enhancing revenue collection and compliance management.
Zubair Bilal, a seasoned officer of Grade 21, has officially assumed the role of Member Inland Revenue Operations at the FBR headquarters in Islamabad as of December 4, 2025. In this capacity, Bilal is expected to oversee day-to-day operational activities, ensuring effective implementation of tax policies and driving organizational performance across multiple IRS departments. His appointment was formally notified by Secretary Management/Human Resources and Integration, Sultan Muhammad Nawaz Nasir, with official copies circulated to relevant offices nationwide.
In addition to Bilal’s appointment, Shabia Al-Ajaz, a Grade 20 official, has been designated as the Acting Chief of the Large Tax Office in Karachi. Al-Ajaz will continue to serve in her current grade and salary while leading one of Pakistan’s most significant regional tax offices. Her role is critical in supervising large-scale tax compliance, facilitating revenue collection, and ensuring that high-value taxpayers adhere to statutory obligations, particularly in the commercial and corporate sectors.
These appointments come amid other significant developments within the FBR. Dr. Hamid Atiq Sarwar, the current Member Inland Revenue (Operations), is undergoing medical treatment following an injury sustained during an official visit to Paris. Once fully recovered, Dr. Sarwar is expected to take on new responsibilities as Member Strategic Affairs, reflecting the FBR’s focus on strategic planning and high-level oversight of the country’s tax framework. His expertise in operations and policy formulation is anticipated to guide long-term initiatives aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s revenue systems and regulatory compliance.
The FBR’s recent staffing decisions underscore the institution’s commitment to modernizing tax administration and strengthening governance within the IRS. By appointing experienced officers to key positions, the FBR aims to ensure that revenue operations remain efficient, transparent, and aligned with national economic objectives.
Experts note that these leadership changes could bring renewed focus on technological integration, data-driven decision-making, and streamlined operational procedures within the IRS. As Pakistan continues to emphasize formalization of the economy and enhanced tax compliance, these strategic appointments are poised to play a crucial role in implementing reforms and expanding the government’s revenue base.
The recent appointments at the FBR mark a proactive approach toward reinforcing Pakistan’s tax infrastructure, combining operational expertise with strategic oversight to ensure the Inland Revenue Service can meet the demands of an evolving fiscal landscape.
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