Search for new FBR chairman begins as govt deliberates over names

• Govt could select an external candidate or choose someone from FBR.
• Faiz Ahmed Chadhar's name was also previously considered.
• Asim Ahmed retired after reaching age of superannuation.

ISLAMABAD: After the retirement of Asim Ahmed, the former chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the government is deliberating on two options for the new appointment, The News reported.

The government will either select an external candidate or choose someone from within the tax machinery.

According to an official summary presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, three candidates' names have been proposed for the position: Rashid Mahmood Langrial, affiliated with an influential Pakistan Administrative Service group; Amjad Zubair Tiwana, presently serving as FBR member IRS Operation at the board headquarters; and Syed Nadeem Rizvi, member administration and most senior among the contenders.

Faiz Ahmed Chaudhary was also previously considered a strong candidate for the prominent role.

However, the government has not yet decided whether to appoint someone from outside the FBR or choose someone from the tax machinery's fold. This was confirmed by a top functionary.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement-led regime would prefer to make this important appointment before completing its tenure within the next few days.

Ahmed, the outgoing chairman, had completed his tenure and retired after reaching the age of superannuation.

Ahmed, who was previously from the Inland Revenue, had also served as the FBR chairman in 2021 for a few months ahead of Javed Ghani's retirement, but was replaced after a data-hacking incident occurred in the FBR.

At the time of reappointment for the role, he was number three on the seniority list of IRS officers.