ISLAMABAD, Dec 5 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a high-level meeting focused on the country’s economic situation and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) digitization efforts, directed authorities to implement swift taxation measures and enforce the revenue collection strategy effectively.
Emphasizing the significance of the FBR’s digitization as a cornerstone of the government’s economic reforms, the prime minister lauded the finance team’s progress and acknowledged the efforts of key officials, including the finance minister, state minister for finance, and FBR chairman.
Expressing satisfaction over the improved fiscal space, the prime minister highlighted the positive outcomes of the government’s crackdown on smuggled fuel and the reduction in petrol and diesel prices, noting a significant increase in petroleum product sales, which reached 1.58 million metric tons, the highest in the past 25 months.
He stressed the importance of stringent measures to curtail petrol smuggling, pointing out that the 15% year-on-year rise in petroleum sales indicated the revival of the energy market.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated the economic team’s timely decision to export sugar, which generated $500 million in remittances.
He urged the FBR to complete all critical digitization tasks by the end of the month, including the video analytics system for the cement industry and the development of a mobile application for digital invoicing aimed at small businesses.
The meeting was informed that the FBR’s value chain digitization would be finalized by March next year, with significant advancements already made, including the establishment of a new board for Pakistan Revenue Automation Ltd (PRAL) and upgrades to its hardware and data centers.
Additionally, a central assessment unit for faceless customs assessment at Karachi Airport is expected to commence operations by the year’s end.
The meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, and senior officials, concluded with the prime minister reaffirming his commitment to achieving economic stability and reform through targeted efforts and strategic decisions.
