Pakistan

FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi on ‘indefinite leave’

Zaidi has been sick since January 9 due to which he had formally excused himself from working

Our Correspondent February 23, 2020

Zaidi has been sick since January 9 due to which he had formally excused himself from working. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi has gone on an indefinite leave.

According to sources, instead of joining the office after the end of his leaves, the FBR chief sent an application for indefinite leave to Adviser Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh. After his approval, the letter will be sent to the prime minister for final approval.

The sources said that Zaidi has been sick since January 9 due to which he had formally excused himself from working and also informed the prime minister orally in this regard.

FBR chief’s health issues set rumour mill churning

However, he has not yet resigned in writing and his leave expired on February 14. After weekly holidays, he was supposed to join the office on February 17, but did not. Instead, he requested to go on leave for an indefinite period. In his absence, FBR Acting Chairman Nausheen Javed Amjad has been handling the affairs of the bureau.

According to sources, Zaidi said that his health is not good and he would follow his doctors’ advice.

On the other hand, the finance adviser said that if Zaidi cannot continue with his work as FBR chairman owing to ill-health, a new chairman would be appointed after consultations.