ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to remove bureaucratic red tape and institutional obstacles to ensure the permanent enforcement of reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
During a meeting on FBR-related matters, the prime minister expressed satisfaction with the rise in the tax-to-GDP ratio, attributing the improvement to the federal government’s reform measures in the revenue body.
Reaffirming his commitment, the prime minister stated, “The federal government and I fully back the reform initiatives and will continue to support their implementation.” He emphasized the need for consistent and effective application of the newly introduced customs clearance reforms nationwide.
Additionally, the prime minister directed officials to incorporate modern technology into the customs clearance process to reduce procedural delays and improve institutional efficiency.
The prime minister also directed the federal and provincial authorities to work together to sustain the benefits of tax collection resulting from FBR reforms in the next fiscal year.
He noted that the effective implementation of previously imposed taxes in the upcoming fiscal year will play a key role in further increasing tax collection.
The prime minister stressed to devise a strategy to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio through consultation among FBR, relevant federal institutions, and the provinces.
“The set timelines for FBR’s tax collection and other reform targets for the next fiscal year will not be altered”, the prime minister said directing that in order to raise public awareness regarding the FBR and customs clearance reform systems, both institutions should enhance their capacity in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
During the briefing, the meeting was informed that as per the special directive of PM Shehbaz Sharif, the income tax return form had been prepared online in Urdu as simplifying the online income tax return forms and making them available in Urdu will benefit approximately 84% of filers.
The meeting was further informed that the FBR had achieved its tax collection target for the first month of the new fiscal year (July) and was expected to meet its targets in the coming months as well.
The establishment of digital enforcement stations for customs clearance across the country is underway on a priority basis. Full implementation of the Centralized Assessment Unit (CAU) and the faceless customs system will help make the customs clearance process more efficient and transparent, the meeting was told.
