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Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM wants implementation of FBR reforms
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the immediate and effective implementation of ongoing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), with a strong emphasis on digitisation and automation of the tax system. While chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister stressed the need for decisive measures to correct what he described as "70 years of mismanagement" in the tax system. He assured that maximum facilitation would be extended to honest taxpayers and businesses, while those involved in tax evasion would face strict legal action without any concessions. The prime minister also acknowledged the efforts of the FBR and its enforcement agencies in improving tax revenue, describing their work as commendable. The meeting reviewed the introduction of a National Targeting System aimed at curbing sales tax evasion. This system will use e-tags and digital devices to track vehicles transporting goods and will be supported by an e-Bilty mechanism issued through the FBR's system. Digital monitoring systems will be installed at major highways and city entry points to reduce smuggling and save time for commuters. The meeting was informed that a Customs Targeting System was also being introduced at ports and airports to automate the monitoring of imports and exports. The system will use artificial intelligence and integrate with domestic and international databases to combat smuggling and tax fraud. The officials also briefed the meeting on plans to train FBR staff on the new systems and outlined a phased roll out beginning with a pilot project in a major city. Sectors such as cement, hatcheries, poultry feed, tobacco, and beverages will come under stricter sales tax surveillance. It added that monitoring mechanisms similar to those used in the sugar industry were being extended to the tobacco, beverage, steel, and cement sectors. The premier directed that all measures be implemented promptly, effectively, and in a sustainable manner.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
National Targeting System being introduced to prevent sales tax evasion, PM told
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed on Tuesday that a National Targeting System was being introduced to prevent sales tax evasion in Pakistan. The prime minister chaired a review meeting on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) affairs and ongoing reforms. He was informed that under the new system, vehicles involved in the transportation of goods will be directly tracked using e-tags and digital devices, said a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on tax evasion, under-invoicing 'Additionally, an e-Bilty system is being introduced, which will be integrated into the FBR system. A digital monitoring system will be installed at all major highways and city entry points.' The initiative aims to eliminate smuggling and sales tax evasion, reduce inconvenience for ordinary citizens, and save time. The system is expected to facilitate digitisation of the economy and significantly increase revenue. The meeting was also informed that a Customs Targeting System was also being introduced at ports and airports to automate the monitoring of imports and exports. As per the statement, the system will use artificial intelligence and integrate with domestic and international databases to combat smuggling and tax fraud. The premier emphasised the need for decisive action to correct what he described as '70 years of mismanagement' in the tax system. He stated that while maximum facilitation would be provided to honest taxpayers and businesses, those involved in tax evasion would face strict legal action without any concessions.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
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).
