The Prime Minister expressed skepticism regarding the briefing from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and instructed for immediate commencement of the complete digitization and automation process of the FBR. Following a visit to Gwadar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister House. During the meeting, Chairman FBR Malik Amjad Zubair Towana discussed strategies to enhance tax collections, facilitate exporters with refunds, broaden the tax base, combat tax evasion, and improve institutional effectiveness. The Prime Minister, distrusting the FBR’s briefing, emphasized the urgent need for digitization and automation of the FBR along modern global standards, suggesting the engagement of international experts. He underscored the critical nature of this initiative for Pakistan’s prosperity.
Highlighting the importance of learning from past experiences, the Prime Minister emphasized proactive measures over lamenting, noting the presence of capable individuals across the board. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed optimism about Pakistan’s future prosperity through diligent efforts, promising recognition and rewards for exceptional revenue collectors. He also emphasized the recruitment of competent individuals for the track and trace system and pledged full support from the Ministry of Interior, with personal oversight from himself and assistance from the army to combat trafficking.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended former Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal, and their team for their efforts in steering Pakistan away from default and towards progress. Acknowledging Dr. Shamshad Akhtar’s merit policy, the Prime Minister expressed admiration. Chairman FBR outlined the target of adding 1.5 lakh new taxpayers during the fiscal year and highlighted ongoing legislative efforts for digitizing invoicing, which the Prime Minister stressed for immediate implementation.
The meeting was attended by several officials including Attaullah Tarar, Mossadegh Malik, Ali Parvez Malik, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Rumina Khurshid Alam, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Ahad Cheema, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr. Jahanzeb, President HBL Mohammad Aurangzeb, former Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairman FBR, Governor State Bank, and other senior officials.
