TO me honesty means honest decisions taken promptly without victimising anybody or taking personal vendetta.

I began to fight our corrupt system by writing books on corruption.

The The Tax Reform Commission reported recently that the FBR carries a history of presenting unreal figures, takes advance payment from banks, and withholds refunds.

A report regarding some officers changing their performance report to get promoted (Jan 18) left me flabbergasted.

I merely lost my promotion in Grade 22 because somebody fidgeted with my performance. I was transferred three months before my retirement from Karachi to Islamabad, which is against the rules because pensions are delayed. Surprisingly, there is no respect for law, morality or ethics where the FBR is concerned. I was transferred to ITAT on reduced pay. I was placed as a junior officer in Grade 20, which is against the Esta code and the court’s decision.

I was given a novel send off with a series of illegal actions; therefore, I thought it would be better to write a book which should be out shortly. The standards of decay in society are visible but an institution like the FBR is the lifeblood of Pakistan, so it should improve its image.

Everyone has to retire from service one day and I feel relieved that I am no longer in service but by bad luck I have been made a target again and not spared even after two years of my retirement. All my bills are pending and the FBR is not restoring my seniority. I sometimes feel that I should leave Pakistan for good. But I hate cowardice and would prefer to die in cold blood rather than run with my tail tucked between my legs.

Muhammad Saleem Butt

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2015

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