Here’s The Real Reason Behind FBR Officers’ Nationwide Protest

A significant disparity in benefits exists between the FBR’s cadre (primarily civil service of Pakistan – CSP) officers and their non-cadre counterparts, with cadre officers receiving up to four times more in privileges. Sources told ProPakistani that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently approved a reward system specifically for FBR cadre officers. Under this system, cadre officers will reportedly receive an annual reward equivalent to 48 basic salaries. In stark contrast, non-cadre officers will only receive an annual reward equivalent to 8 basic salaries. This substantial difference of 40 basic salaries is cited by sources as the primary driver behind the current unrest among FBR employees. Furthermore, sources stated that officers in Grade 17 and above, predominantly from the cadre, will receive an additional monthly income ranging from Rs 45,000 to Rs 70,000 through the Common Pool Fund. This fund is reportedly generated from a levy of one rupee per receipt from Point of Sale (POS) systems. Crucially, employees in Grade 16 and below, who are largely non-cadre, do not receive any share from this Common Pool Fund. Adding to the grievances, sources disclosed that cadre officers have also been offered monthly rental apartments. These officers, including those involved in hiring processes, can allegedly avail rental apartments costing between Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 250,000 per month. Highlighting the financial implications, sources pointed out that the basic salary of a Grade 20 cadre officer is Rs. 200,000. With the additional rewards and benefits, cadre officers are poised to earn millions of rupees annually in addition to their regular salaries. The exclusive details shed light on the deep-seated resentment among non-cadre FBR employees, who feel marginalized by the preferential treatment allegedly being extended to their cadre counterparts. This disparity in benefits is the core reason fueling the announced nationwide protest.