PM Shehbaz lauds FBR for surpassing revenue collection target

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday commended the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for exceeding its revenue collection target by generating a record Rs12.957 trillion during the 2025-26 fiscal year, describing the accomplishment as a significant milestone for the country's economy achieved through continuous reforms, digital transformation and collective institutional effort.

Speaking at a meeting with senior FBR officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier congratulated the tax authority’s leadership and its entire workforce for delivering the highest-ever revenue collection in the institution’s history. He said the achievement reflected the dedication and professionalism of FBR officers across Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz noted that around Rs600 billion in tax refunds had been released on time during the previous fiscal year, saying the payments had provided much-needed support to businesses while helping boost the country's exports. Looking ahead, he voiced confidence that FBR officers would continue working with the same determination to help achieve the government’s revenue target of over Rs15 trillion in the current fiscal year.

The prime minister also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal, members of the government's economic team and FBR officials for their role in strengthening the institution's performance.

He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and law enforcement agencies for their efforts in combating smuggling and ensuring the safety of FBR personnel carrying out their duties. In addition, the premier praised officers serving in distant and challenging locations, recognising their commitment and sacrifices in enforcing tax and customs regulations.

Referring to the government's reform programme, Shehbaz Sharif said the record-breaking revenue collection was the outcome of measures introduced over the last two and a half years, particularly those aimed at enhancing digitisation, transparency and institutional coordination.

He added that he personally chaired performance review meetings on the FBR twice every month, reflecting the government's strong commitment to reforming the tax administration.

The prime minister said officers with strong professional reputations had been assigned to FBR field formations to reinforce integrity within the organisation, making it clear that there was no tolerance for corruption in the tax authority.

He directed FBR officials to give equal importance to facilitating taxpayers while pursuing revenue targets, stressing that widening the tax base, improving transparency and delivering better public services remained key pillars of the government's reform strategy.

PM Shehbaz further announced that the FBR would move towards a modern digital and faceless tax administration system designed to minimise direct human interaction. He also ordered the establishment of a high-powered committee to propose improvements in the career development and service structure of officers belonging to the Pakistan Customs Service and the Inland Revenue Service.

During the meeting, FBR officials expressed gratitude to the prime minister for his continued support and appreciation of their work. They also briefed him on the performance of tax offices operating across the country. As per the briefing, the Karachi Large Taxpayers Office collected Rs528 billion in revenue during June 2026, while the Lahore Large Taxpayers Office generated Rs261 billion in the same month.

Officials further informed the meeting that customs duty collection at airports had risen by 21 per cent compared with the previous year.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and other senior government officials.