PM Shahbaz stresses FBR digitization, no compromise on economic goals

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has declared that economic stability and increasing tax revenues are the government’s foremost priorities, stressing that no negligence will be tolerated in achieving these goals. He directed all government departments to fully cooperate with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

At a weekly review meeting on FBR’s digitization and reforms, chaired by the Prime Minister, the efforts of the Finance Ministry and FBR were lauded for a historic increase in tax collection. It was revealed that tax revenues rose by Rs. 865 billion in fiscal year 2024-25 compared to the previous year, marking an increase of over 42%. The tax-to-GDP ratio reached 11.3%, up 1.5 percentage points from last year.

PM Shahbaz Sharif urged continued diligence in tax collection for the new fiscal year, instructing FBR officials to treat the public with respect and provide maximum support to the business community.

He emphasized his personal oversight of revenue targets and FBR performance, calling on all institutions to actively contribute to national development. The Prime Minister also instructed the expansion of the Track and Trace digital production system to more industries, noting its current implementation in sugar, tobacco, and fertilizer sectors, with cement and others soon to follow.

Further, he directed broadening the coverage of the FBR’s Point of Sale (POS) system in the retail sector and congratulated participants on the approval of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Azam Nazir Tarar, FBR Chairman, and senior officials.