by The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken a major stride forward by onboarding 60 external auditors to enhance the audit capabilities of its Directorate General of Post‑Clearance Audit (PCA) & Internal Audit (Customs). This initiative is part of the larger FBR Transformation Plan (Customs), aiming to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality of audits .
✅ Why This Matters
- Boost audit strength: Customs and PCA wings gain external expertise, ensuring thorough inspections and better compliance.
- Uniform procedures: A newly issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides a consistent framework for deploying auditors across various field formations.
- Improving governance: The move aligns with international best practices, reinforcing FBR’s credibility and helping plug revenue leaks.
🛠️ How It Works
- Structured evaluation: HR firms supply auditor candidates; regional evaluation committees (HQ, North, Central, South) vet and finalize selections, either virtually or in-person.
- Regional allocation: The 60 auditors are distributed strategically across regions, aiming to effectively cover high-priority customs zones.
- Governed deployment: The SOP ensures auditors operate within a controlled, standardized environment—covering consistency, performance expectations, and reporting norms .
- FBR Hires 60 External Auditors to Improve Audit Capacity.
🎯 Expected Benefits
- Enhanced revenue safeguarding: Comprehensive post-clearance audits help identify undervaluation, misclassification, and other customs evasion tactics.
- Efficiency and accountability: SOPs and evaluation committees help maintain high audit quality and transparency.
- Supporting long-term transformation: This pilot aligns with broader FBR reforms, including hiring more auditors and industry experts for forensic, sector-specific, and tax audits .
🔍 What Comes Next
- Rollout of further SOPs: More refined guidelines may follow, adjusting based on field feedback.
- Target expansion: Having demonstrated success, this model may be extended to Inland Revenue and other audit wings.
- Continuous monitoring: FBR will assess auditor performance and impact, refining frameworks to ensure sustained improvements.
🎯 Final Takeaway
The FBR’s decision to hire 60 external auditors demonstrates a serious commitment to modernizing audit operations, increasing revenue integrity, and fostering institutional accountability. While it’s a modest step toward a broader transformation, its success could pave the way for larger-scale reforms across the tax machinery.
