Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to intensify enforcement efforts and implement structural reforms aimed at surpassing the annual revenue collection targets, as part of the government’s broader strategy to stabilize Pakistan’s economy.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Wednesday, the Prime Minister was briefed on the FBR’s performance and ongoing reforms. Officials reported notable progress:
- The tax-to-GDP ratio has improved by 1.5 percentage points.
- Tax return filings have jumped from 4.5 million to 7.2 million.
- Income tax collections from the retail sector have surged by Rs 455 billion over the past fiscal year.
- A newly introduced Faceless Customs Clearance System is expected to reduce clearance times from 52 hours to just 12 hours within three months.
While acknowledging these advancements, the premier emphasized the need for robust enforcement mechanisms to curb tax evasion, broaden the tax base, and dismantle the informal economy that continues to hinder revenue generation.
He instructed the FBR to present a detailed roadmap for the restructuring of its digital systems, with clearly defined goals and timelines. The move is aimed at increasing transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the country’s tax apparatus.
PM Shehbaz also stressed the importance of engaging with business leaders, traders, and taxpayers to ensure that reforms are both effective and inclusive. He reiterated that tax policy should be fair and focused on reducing the burden on the salaried and middle-income classes.
The government’s renewed push for fiscal discipline comes at a critical time, as Pakistan seeks to meet its financial commitments, strengthen investor confidence, and position the economy for sustainable growth.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.