Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to fully implement FBR tax reforms within a specified timeframe. He stressed the need for timely action to modernise Pakistan’s tax system and improve revenue collection.
The prime minister chaired the weekly review meeting on Federal Board of Revenue reforms in Islamabad on Friday. Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing measures to restructure the tax system and improve its overall efficiency.
The briefing focused on the restructuring of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited, digitalisation of tax operations and measures to control smuggling. Officials said work was progressing on several initiatives aimed at creating a more integrated and data-driven tax system.
Authorities informed the meeting that phased work was underway on IRIS 3.0, the new tax operating model and a central data hub. International consultants have also been engaged to help design IRIS 3.0 as part of the broader FBR tax reforms.
Officials said new senior leadership appointments had been made at PRAL in areas including technology, data security, operations and taxation. Work is also progressing on improving the tax system, piloting auto tax and exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning for future revenue collection.
Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure third-party audits of the reforms. He said digitalisation, production monitoring and automated systems were key pillars of the FBR tax reforms and should be implemented effectively to strengthen the system.
The prime minister also ordered stronger action against tax evasion, smuggling and illegal businesses. He stressed that the reforms should modernise the tax system, improve revenue collection and help eliminate smuggling. The government aims to complete the FBR tax reforms within the agreed timeframe.
