NBR officials observe pen-down strike for third day 

The pen-down strike by officials and employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) continued for the third consecutive day today as they pressed on with a three-point demand, including the repealing of the new ordinance seeking the dissolution of the revenue administration.

Their other demands include the public disclosure of a state advisory committee's report on NBR reforms, which was submitted earlier to the finance ministry, and inclusive, consultative, and sustainable reforms within the revenue administration.

Only international passenger services, export operations, and budget-related activities were exempted from the strike.

The strike is being organised under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Council, a platform of cadre and non-cadre officials, in protest against the recently issued ordinance that effectively dissolves the existing structure of the NBR.

Following similar demonstrations on Wednesday and Thursday, today's pen-down strike programme is being observed from 10 am to 3 pm, as the government has declared Saturday a working day to make up for the loss of working hours during the 10-day Eid holidays beginning from June 5.

Protesting officials are expected to announce fresh programmes at a press conference scheduled for 3 pm, immediately after the day's strike concludes.