PM orders removal of hurdles to FBR reforms
He reiterated his administration's commitment to safeguarding the reform process and called for the uniform implementation of structural changes across the revenue body.
'The enhancement in the tax-to-GDP ratio is a matter of satisfaction. It reflects the impact of the government's policy direction in the fiscal domain,' he added.
FBR's overreach must not undermine reform
He instructed the relevant departments to eliminate red tape and other institutional obstacles in order to ensure the longevity of reforms.
Emphasising the need for technological integration in customs clearance, the prime minister directed authorities to accelerate the implementation of 'revolutionary' customs reforms.
He said technology should be utilised to reduce the time consumed by procedural requirements and enhance transparency in the system.
To sustain the momentum in revenue collection into the next financial year, Sharif called for stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments.
'Effective and efficient implementation of existing tax frameworks will be critical in further improving tax collection,' he added.
The prime minister also instructed that a comprehensive strategy be formulated in consultation with the FBR, federal institutions, and provincial governments to further raise the tax-to-GDP ratio.
He made it clear that there would be no changes to the approved deadlines and reform targets for the FBR in the forthcoming financial year.
Highlighting the importance of public engagement, Sharif directed the FBR and the customs department to enhance public awareness of the ongoing reforms.
He called for collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to build institutional capacity and inform citizens about the new systems.
During the meeting, FBR officials briefed the prime minister on recent developments, including the launch of an Urdu-language version of the online income tax return form.
Officials noted that the new form is designed to be more accessible and user-friendly, benefiting approximately 84 per cent of tax filers.
The meeting was informed that the FBR had successfully met its tax collection target for the month of July – the first month of the new financial year – and expressed confidence in achieving full-year targets.
Officials also briefed the meeting on the establishment of digital enforcement stations for customs clearance, as well as on the rollout of the Centralised Assessment Unit (CAU) and a faceless customs system aimed at enhancing procedural efficiency and transparency.
According to FBR officials, the reform implementation strategy is advancing in line with established targets through policy frameworks, strategic adjustments, and sector-specific measures.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Attorney General for Pakistan, the FBR Chairman, and other senior officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
7 hours ago
- Business Recorder
FWCCI hails withdrawal of tax measures by FBR
FAISALABAD: Rubina Amjad, Founder President FWCCI & UBG Leader and Shahida Aftab, President FWCCI have appreciated withdrawal of draconian tax measures introduced in the Budget 2025-26 by Federal Board of Revenue. They have also lauded support and understanding of the business community's viewpoint by Field Marshal General Asim Munir. They said in a joint statement issued here today. They said that business community is the major stakeholder in the tax revenue and also in strengthening the economy of Pakistan within and at external level. They said that facilitation to the business community means to gear up the economic activities which results into more revenue generation, employment and accelerated pace of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They also hailed the Government for this pro-business community decision and acknowledged the Field Marshal's role in promoting the economic interest of the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Probe into benami transactions, money laundering: FBR transfers spark controversy
KARACHI: Two senior Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials have been transferred from their posts in Karachi to Islamabad, sparking controversy over the future of ongoing investigations into alleged benami transactions and money laundering worth trillions of rupees in the vehicle imports. Although FBR officials termed the transfers/postings as routine administrative measures, this time, the transfers have raised questions about potential interference in high-stakes investigations, following the public allegation by one of the transferred officials that his posting was retaliation for taking action against powerful lobbies involved in vehicle imports. Abdul Hameed Abro, who was serving as Commissioner (Ops) Inland Revenue, Benami Zone-III in Karachi, was transferred after launching what he described as a comprehensive crackdown against benami transactions in vehicle imports. Old car importers: Anti-Benami zone of FBR initiates big crackdown In a social media post on his verified account, Hameed suggested his transfer was connected to his enforcement actions. 'When I took action against benami transactions and the misuse of baggage and gift schemes in the vehicle imports, it caused trouble to the powerful lobbies,' Hameed wrote. 'My only 'fault' was that I enforced the law and protected the national treasury. As a result, I was transferred from Karachi to Islamabad.' The commissioner defended his actions, saying that they were in the national interest and aimed at preventing billions in losses to the treasury through fake documentation and scheme misuse. 'I can be removed, but I cannot be defeated! I simply did my duty — and wherever I may be, this journey will continue,' he added. Under Hameed's leadership, the Benami Zone-III had launched an extensive investigation targeting the systematic abuse of the Vehicle Baggage and Gifts Scheme (VB&GS). The scheme, originally designed for legitimate personal imports, has allegedly been exploited by commercial importers working through clearing agents with suspected support from customs officials. The investigation covers vehicle clearances conducted between February 2018 and May 2025, with authorities demanding detailed explanations for thousands of vehicle imports processed under the personal baggage scheme. The Benami Zone has requested comprehensive documentation from suspected parties, including complete import records, customs declarations, details of end users and true owners with full identification, information on all transaction parties, copies of agreements and contracts, and bank statements covering the entire seven-year investigation period. In a parallel development, Sheeraz Ahmad, who was serving as Director of Post Clearance Audit (PCA), South, was also transferred to Islamabad. Ahmad had been actively involved in auditing Pakistan's most touted corruption-free clearance system - 'Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA)'. The PCA audit report under Sheeraz's supervision revealed significant irregularities, including widespread under-invoicing of high-value luxury vehicles. The audit found that importers consistently failed to provide documentation showing legitimate foreign currency payments, strongly suggesting the use of illegal hawala and hundi money transfer networks. 'Importers consistently failed to provide proof of payments substantiating that purchases of imported vehicles were made through legitimate remittances originating from foreign countries,' the audit report said. The investigation has uncovered what appears to be an organized scheme where importers systematically used illegal money transfer channels to pay actual purchase prices abroad while declaring minimal amounts to Pakistan customs to avoid duties and taxes. The PCA audit also detected approximately Rs 38 billion in revenue leakage following the implementation of the FCA system, attributed to several technical flaws identified in the audit report. While the FBR official sources termed the transfers are routine administrative measures, the timing and circumstances have raised concerns about the continuity of ongoing investigations. Both transferred officials are expected to continue their duties in their new postings in Islamabad, though questions remain about who will lead the ongoing investigations and whether the enforcement momentum will be maintained or, like other investigations, it will be shelved. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
President, PM vow to protect minority rights
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the nation's commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare and equal inclusion of minority communities in all spheres of national life. On the occasion of National Minorities Day, observed annually on August 11, both leaders paid tribute to the contributions of minorities in nation-building, stressing the principles of interfaith harmony, equality and mutual respect as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari renewed the national resolve "to work for the empowerment and advancement of minority communities" and pledged to continue efforts to "promote interfaith harmony, brotherhood and unity to build an inclusive and prosperous Pakistan". He said Minorities Day reflected Quaid-e-Azam's vision of a Pakistan "where every citizen lives in equality, harmony, and mutual respect". He noted that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, caste, creed, or colour and safeguarded the legitimate political, economic, religious, social and cultural interests of minorities. "Pakistan stands resolutely against all forms of discrimination, extremism, and religious intolerance. We remain determined to build a society free from prejudiceone that embraces diversity as a strength," he said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said the government of Pakistan, guided by "high religious and constitutional values", was committed to the full inclusion of minorities in government institutions, Parliament and the national mainstream. "Today, the entire nation, including me, is celebrating National Minorities Day to protect the rights of minorities and appreciate their key role in the country's development and progress," he said. "Today, we renew our pledge to always strive for religious freedom and equal rights of minorities in the light of the teachings of the founder of Pakistan and Islamic teachings," he added. Calling Quaid-e-Azam's August 11, 1947, address an "ideological guarantee for the secure future of minorities in Pakistan," the prime minister said the welfare of Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Parsis and all other minority groups was "one of the priority duties of the government of Pakistan".
