ISLAMABAD, May 20 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the urgent implementation of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms, prioritizing digitization and automation of the tax system to address decades-long inefficiencies.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the prime minister emphasized that “70 years of mismanagement” in the tax sector must be rectified without delay. He assured full support for honest taxpayers and businesses, while warning that strict legal action would be taken against tax evaders.
PM Shehbaz acknowledged FBR’s efforts in increasing tax revenue and praised the role of enforcement agencies, calling their contributions commendable.
The meeting reviewed key initiatives including the launch of a National Targeting System to tackle sales tax evasion.
This system will use e-tags and digital devices to track goods transportation, integrated with an e-Bilty system through the FBR.
Digital monitoring units will be set up at major highways and entry points of cities to curb smuggling and streamline traffic.
In addition, a Customs Targeting System is being introduced at ports and airports. It will utilize artificial intelligence and connect with local and global databases to improve the oversight of imports and exports and minimize fraud.
Officials also detailed training plans for FBR personnel and a phased rollout of the new systems, starting with a pilot project in a major city.
High-risk sectors like cement, poultry feed, hatcheries, tobacco, and beverages will be placed under intensified sales tax monitoring.
Monitoring technologies already applied in the sugar industry will now be extended to other key sectors including tobacco, beverages, steel, and cement.
The Prime Minister directed that all reforms be implemented promptly, effectively, and sustainably, ensuring no delays in execution.
