PM orders swift rollout of FBR reforms to tackle tax evasion
Listen to article
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed on Tuesday the immediate implementation of ongoing reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), stressing the importance of digitisation and automation to overhaul Pakistan's tax system.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the prime minister highlighted the need to rectify what he described as '70 years of mismanagement' in the country's taxation framework.
Shehbaz promised maximum facilitation for honest taxpayers and businesses but vowed strict legal action against those involved in tax evasion, with no concessions.
The meeting discussed the launch of a National Targeting System designed to curb sales tax evasion. This system will employ e-tags and digital devices to track goods transport, supported by an e-Bilty mechanism integrated into the FBR system.
Digital monitoring installations are planned at key highways and city entry points to reduce smuggling and ease commuter delays.
Officials also briefed the prime minister on a Customs Targeting System to automate import and export monitoring at ports and airports. This system will use artificial intelligence and link with domestic and international databases to tackle smuggling and tax fraud.
Plans to train FBR staff on these new technologies were also reviewed, with a phased rollout set to begin with a pilot project in a major city.
Key sectors like cement, hatcheries, poultry feed, tobacco, and beverages will face stricter sales tax surveillance, expanding monitoring systems similar to those used in the sugar industry to tobacco, beverage, steel, and cement sectors.
The prime minister stressed that all measures be implemented swiftly, efficiently, and sustainably.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level political committee to oversee the implementation of the National Fiscal Pact.
The committee will also work toward building consensus on sharing the debt burden between the federation and provinces, and coordinate the development of critical water infrastructure amid Indian aggression.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be the co-chairs of the eight-member committee, according to instructions issued by the Prime Minister's Office.
According to the decision taken after a meeting between the PML-N and the PPP in Lahore on Sunday, the other members include ministers for defence, planning, finance, economic affairs, and law, as well as the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Bilawal urges India to end ‘excuses', resume dialogue with Pakistan
Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday urged India to move beyond what he termed 'repetitive excuses' and engage in meaningful dialogue with Pakistan to address long-standing bilateral issues. Speaking at a press conference in Washington following a series of meetings with US lawmakers, policy experts and think tanks, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman criticized New Delhi's reluctance to resume talks, saying it was counterproductive to regional peace. 'India continues to evade efforts for dialogue and investigations. The excuses vary, be it civil-military dynamics, geopolitics, or blanket narratives linking Muslims with terrorism, but they all serve the same purpose: avoidance,' Bilawal said. Bilawal Bhutto warns of escalating water disputes with India, calls for diplomatic engagement 'It's not sustainable for two nuclear-armed neighbours with such low conflict thresholds to lack any structured dispute resolution mechanism.' The former foreign minister is part of a high-level Pakistani delegation currently visiting key Western capitals as part of a diplomatic outreach initiative aimed at presenting Islamabad's stance on recent tensions with India. The delegation, which includes senior political figures and former diplomats, will also visit London and Brussels in the coming days. Alongside Bilawal, the group includes former foreign ministers Hina Rabbani Khar and Khurram Dastgir Khan, Senators Sherry Rehman, Musadik Malik, Faisal Sabzwari and Bushra Anjum Butt, as well as seasoned diplomats Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tehmina Janjua. Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan's civil and military leadership are united in their stance against terrorism, and that dialogue with India is essential for regional stability. He reiterated Islamabad's openness to talks at both political and military levels. 'If India truly seeks peace, it must be willing to engage, whether through direct talks or through mediation by international stakeholders,' he said. 'Unfortunately, New Delhi has rejected all options, be it engagement through the UN, third-party mediation, or bilateral diplomacy.' He further stressed that reversing decisions that have escalated tensions would be a constructive step forward. 'It is in everyone's interest, including India's, to revisit policies that have only led to a diplomatic freeze and increased hostility.' The Pakistani delegation's engagement in Washington is seen as part of a broader attempt to counter India's expanding diplomatic footprint and narrative, particularly in Western capitals.
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings to President Zardari, discusses national matters
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari to extend warm greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the premier conveyed his best wishes to the president, who reciprocated with gratitude and similar sentiments. The two leaders also held a discussion on the overall political landscape of the country and exchanged views on various national issues. Earlier in the day, both leaders felicitated the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. In his message, the president that the day revives in 'us the spirit of faith, sacrifice, selflessness, and brotherhood', as per Radio Pakistan. The president called for drawing lessons from the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness shown by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and integrating them into our lives. 'Today, there is a pressing need to support the underprivileged and marginalized segments of our society. Along with the act of animal sacrifice, Eid calls upon us to make a solemn pledge to always care for those in need,' President Zardari said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the message of Eid-ul-Adha is not limited to the sacrifice of animals alone, but teaches us to sacrifice our ego, desires, and personal interests for higher purposes. Eid teaches us not only the importance of sacrificing life and wealth but also that nations achieve greatness when they work for collective welfare and selflessness alongside individual development, the PM said. 'Today, we must especially remember our Palestinian brothers and sisters who are enduring ruthless and inhumane oppression and hunger.'
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings in calls with leaders of various countries
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with key Muslim world leaders on the occasion of Eidul Azha, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, unity within the Muslim Ummah, and enhanced bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim {@anwaribrahim }, and the two leaders exchanged greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister conveyed his… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a call with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday, both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and underscored the importance of deepening bilateral ties in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Malaysia's 'balanced stance' during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. 'Pakistan had no option but to respond swiftly and decisively to India's aggression,' PM Shehbaz said, while adding that Islamabad accepted a US-brokered ceasefire understanding in the interest of regional peace. He reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including India Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, and congratulated the President and the brotherly people of 🇹🇯 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister thanked President… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a separate call, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also received Eid greetings from Prime Minister Sharif, who thanked Tajikistan for advocating peace during heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. President Rahmon lauded Islamabad's efforts for regional stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani {@TamimBinHamad }, Amir of the State of 🇶🇦 Qatar, and extended warm greetings to the Amir and the brotherly people of Qatar on the blessed occasion… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Premier Shehbaz also spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Shehbaz thanked Doha for its 'constructive role' in helping de-escalate the recent crisis between Pakistan and India. Both leaders reaffirmed their intention to strengthen economic cooperation. 'The two countries will continue to explore avenues for mutually beneficial trade and investment,' a government statement said. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and extended warm greetings to the President, his family, and the brotherly people of 🇦🇿 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Prime Minister Sharif further connected with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, offering Eid greetings and thanking him for the hospitality shown during his recent visit to Lachin for Azerbaijan's Independence Day and the trilateral summit with Turkey. The leaders reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation in upcoming engagements, including the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan and President Aliyev's scheduled visit to Islamabad later this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eidul Azha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait. During the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Kuwait's balanced and constructive stance in support of peace and dialogue amid the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. He reaffirmed Pakistan's consistent desire for regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid ul Adha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, today. The Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Crown Prince for Kuwait's strong and balanced… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Shehbaz Sharif also underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development. The Crown Prince, in response, acknowledged the valuable role played by the Pakistani community in Kuwait and expressed his commitment to deepening ties between the two countries. In a series of recent telephone calls with world leaders aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan's foreign relations. Read More: Islamabad, Riyadh to further elevate strategic ties This follows his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders agreed to further elevate the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia "in accordance with the shared vision of the leadership and aspirations of the brotherly people of the two countries." The leaders also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two nations. Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan reaffirm unity at trilateral summit Last week, Prime Minister Sharif concluded a diplomatic tour of four countries to reinforce regional partnerships amid heightened tensions with India. The tour provided Pakistan an opportunity to personally express gratitude to these nations for their support during the recent escalation. The trip focused on reinforcing bilateral ties and promoting peace, with the Prime Minister thanking key allies for their constructive role in de-escalating tensions with India.
