ISLAMABAD: Ms Nausheen Javaid Amjad on Tuesday took over as acting chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue after Shabbar Zaidi applied for a 15-day leave citing health reasons.

Nausheen is a BS-22 officer of Inland Revenue Service presently posted as Member (Administration). Sources in the FBR told Dawn that Mr Zaidi initially applied for one week leave but later extended it to two weeks.

According to the sources, Finance Adviser Hafeez Shaikh has asked the chairman FBR to send home all those officers who are not performing, referring to the low revenue collection and lack of progress on reform measures.

In this background, the sources said the government is likely to make changes at the top level especi ally Members Customs Operation and Inland Revenue Operation who are directly responsible for the revenue collection.

The sources maintained that a search is underway for officers with good reputation and competence for posting at the top positions.

On Jan 2, the finance adviser visited the FBR and held a detailed meeting with top tax of ficials and expressed his displeasure over the revenue performance in the first half of the current fiscal year.