PM calls for third-party validation of FBR reforms
This directive was issued during a meeting chaired by the prime minister to review FBR's reforms, read a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
The premier reiterated that the government remains committed to making the country a stable economy through sustainable reforms in national institutions.
'Institutional reforms are progressing rapidly across all sectors,' the PM was quoted as saying.
'The recent positive economic indicators are clear evidence of the correct direction of government policies,' he added.
PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on tax evasion, under-invoicing
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the performance of the Faceless Customs Assessment System and the progress of reforms at Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL).
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the recent performance of the Faceless Customs Assessment System. 'Reforms such as the Faceless Customs Assessment System, introduced to maintain transparency, are yielding encouraging results,' he said.
The meeting was told that the implementation of the Faceless Customs Assessment System has led to an overall increase in revenue and a significant reduction in customs clearance time.
The PM was briefed that a simplified digital tax return system for general taxpayers will be launched soon.
'Work is actively underway to introduce the digital tax return system in Urdu and other local languages for the convenience of general taxpayers,' read the PMO statement.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Chairman FBR, and senior officials from relevant institutions attended the meeting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Any attempt to block Pakistan's water would be met with 'decisive response', PM warns India
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing an event in connection with International Youth Day on August 12 in Islamabad. Photo: APP Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned India that any attempt to block Pakistan's water in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with a decisive response. 'You threaten to stop our water. If you attempt such a move, Pakistan will teach you a lesson you will never forget,' Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said while addressing an event on International Youth Day on Tuesday. وزیرعظم محمد شہباز شر یف نے کہا ہے کہ اپنی آزادی کا تحفظ کرنا جانتے ہیں۔ دشمن نے ہمارا ایک بوند بھی پانی روکا تو ایسا سبق سکھائیں گے جسے وہ ہمیشہ یاد رکھے گا۔ نوجوانوں کے عالمی دن کے موقع پر اسلام آباد میں تقریب سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ 14 اگست 1947 کو حاصل کی گئی… — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 12, 2025 The prime minister stressed that water was crucial for Pakistan's survival and that the country would not compromise on its rights under international agreements. Sharif also reflected on a recent military achievement, recalling the May 10 victory when Pakistan's armed forces successfully downed six Indian fighter jets. 'A new Pakistan has emerged after the armed forces of Pakistan defeated India,' he said, calling it a historic moment for the nation. He added that India's pride was 'sunk' on May 10, a day that would be remembered in Pakistan's military history. Premier launched two key initiatives during the International Youth Day ceremony: the Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Prospective Overseas Workers and the 'Laptops for All' Program. Prime minister announced the distribution of 100,000 free laptops to talented students across Pakistan purely on merit, as part of the government's broader commitment to youth empowerment through digital access and education. He emphasised that the distribution would cover all four provinces, the federal capital, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Shehbaz Sharif assured that the process would be conducted transparently, without favouritism or nepotism. 'These laptops will be distributed entirely on merit. No one will be favoured on political or personal grounds,' he said, adding that the initiative would run parallel to an existing interest-based loan scheme for technology access. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presents awards for recognition of services in various sectors, of individuals from minority communities, at the ceremony on International Youth Day.#PrimeMinister #awards #minority #InternationalYouthDay — APP (@appcsocialmedia) August 12, 2025 The premier used the occasion to highlight the importance of youth in nation-building and urged them to harness the spirit of national resilience and hard work. 'The future of Pakistan lies in the hands of its youth,' he remarked. In his address, PM Shehbaz extended his congratulations to the nation on Independence Day, while acknowledging the vital contributions of minorities and all segments of society in the creation and development of Pakistan. He also took the opportunity to honour individuals from minority communities, recognising their contributions across various sectors with special awards at the ceremony.
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM orders completion of 100MW G-B solar project in one year
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review progress on 100 MW solar project for Gilgit-Baltistan in Islamabad on Aug 12, 2025. Photo: PID Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to ensure the completion of the 100-megawatt solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) within a year, reaffirming the federal government's full financial commitment to the initiative. Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said the project would be executed on a priority basis to provide uninterrupted, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable electricity to the region, which frequently faces prolonged power outages. The premier said he would personally supervise the progress of the project, which he described as a crucial step toward ending energy shortages in G-B. He further instructed that the infrastructure be built to withstand the impacts of climate change. Also Read: Bilawal dismisses 27th Constitutional Amendment rumours as 'baseless' Emphasising the urgency of the matter, he said, 'Solarisation offers the most practical solution for remote regions like G-B, where 18 to 20 hours of load-shedding remain a routine challenge.' PM Shehbaz also directed that electricity supply from both hydropower and solar sources be strengthened to help residents cope with extreme weather conditions and power disruptions. To ensure effective implementation, Energy Minister Awais Leghari was appointed chairman of the Steering Committee overseeing the project. During the briefing, the meeting was informed that six solar parks would be established in Gilgit, eight in Skardu, and six in Diamer. Additionally, solar panels would be installed on 234 government buildings in Gilgit, 179 in Skardu, and 66 in Diamer. A real-time monitoring system for battery backup is also being developed. Read: At least three more terrorists killed in Zhob counter-terrorism sweep Officials assured that the project would adhere to international standards and that transparency would be ensured throughout its construction. The project had earlier been announced by PM Shehbaz during his visit to G-B, as Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) also approved the project few days later. Separately, in a meeting with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, the prime minister directed the authority to enhance coordination with provincial governments for effective response and rehabilitation efforts amid recent rains and flooding. He called for the swift operationalisation of G-B early warning system in coordination with the Ministry of Climate Change, stressing the importance of timely alerts in vulnerable areas to reduce risks during extreme weather events.
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
SHC issues contempt notices to FBR officials in Nomi Ansari case
Listen to article The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday issued contempt notices to senior Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials in a case filed by fashion designer Nomi Ansari, directing the advocate general and prosecutor general of Sindh to prosecute them. A two-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar, fixed August 20 for framing charges against Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Zahid Masood, Commissioner Rizwan Memon and Assistant Commissioner Sehrish Javed. Ansari moved the court after his name was placed on the Passport Control List (PCL) on June 9 despite an earlier SHC order suspending proceedings in a tax fraud case against him and seeking reasons from the Inland Revenue Department for registering it. He was later also placed on the Exit Control List (ECL), preventing him from travelling to Dubai and representing Pakistan at a fashion show in the United States on July 9. The bench expressed displeasure that instead of complying with court directives, the FBR had gone ahead with registering a criminal case. The CJ noted that superior courts had laid down the procedure for criminal proceedings in tax matters and observed it was "too late" for the revenue body to file a counter-affidavit. FBR counsel Zahid Ibrahim sought time to submit a reply, but the bench said the officials and the federal government had failed to satisfy the court over their actions and proceeded to initiate contempt proceedings.
