Written by Shahnawaz Akhter Islamabad, April 3, 2026 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed strict disciplinary action against a Customs Preventive Officer following a tragic incident during an anti-smuggling operation in Karachi that resulted in the death of a civilian. According to an official notification, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Mr. Muhammad Tauseef Akbar, Preventive Officer (BS-16), under suspension from the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi. The action was taken under Rule 3(a) and 3(b) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020, on charges of “inefficiency” and “misconduct.” The officer was suspended on June 18, 2025, after serious allegations surfaced regarding his role in an anti-smuggling raid that turned fatal. A formal charge sheet was issued on September 1, 2025, and an inquiry was conducted by Mr. Saad Atta Rabbani (PCS/BS-19), who concluded that the charges against the officer were fully established. The inquiry report, submitted on January 24, 2026, recommended a major penalty of reduction to a lower post and pay scale for two years. However, after reviewing the case and hearing the officer’s defense, the FBR authority decided to impose a stricter punishment. The officer had argued that he deputed customs personnel (Sepoys) for an initial anti-smuggling operation, which was successfully completed without casualties. However, he claimed that a second operation was conducted by the Sepoys without his permission, during which a civilian lost his life in an exchange of gunfire. He further stated that he had to leave the operation due to a family emergency but maintained communication with the team. Despite these claims, the authority found that he failed to…