Amjad Zubair Tiwana, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has resigned from his position, a decision that has sent ripples through the corridors of power in Islamabad. Tiwana, who was slated to retire in February 2025, submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to sources speaking to Geo News on Wednesday.
A Difficult Decision
Insiders reveal that Tiwana had reached out to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, formally requesting his removal from the FBR chief post. After waiting for two days without a response, he decided to resign. The decision came after consultations with more than two cabinet members, who reportedly advised him to step down.
One of the key figures Tiwana consulted was Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, a close aide to the Prime Minister. During their meeting, Tiwana expressed his inability to continue leading the FBR. Sources also indicated that senior officers within the FBR did not cooperate with Tiwana, further complicating his tenure.
Internal Struggles and Lack of Support
The resignation highlights the internal challenges Tiwana faced. There are over 21 senior officers in the FBR who outrank the chairman, creating a complex and often contentious working environment. Despite his efforts, Tiwana struggled to gain the cooperation necessary for effective leadership.
Appointment and Tenure
Appointed during the caretaker government, Tiwana is known for his close association with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Despite his significant role, his tenure was marked by resistance from within the organization. Top officials confirmed to The News that the pace of reforms, including digitalization efforts within the FBR, did not meet expectations.
Achievements and Criticism
Despite the challenges, Tiwana oversaw a notable achievement: the FBR collected Rs9,311 billion in revenue during the last fiscal year, marking a 30% growth despite the difficult economic environment. However, his tenure was also marred by criticism over issues of digitization and the bifurcation between the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) and Customs groups.