FBR reforms will continue to broaden tax net: PM Shehbaz

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the need for a modern and automated tax management system to enhance transparency, strengthen public trust in the tax framework, and increase national revenue.

He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday to review ongoing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The Prime Minister said reducing human interaction and discretionary authority in tax collection has become essential, adding that a digitized and automated system would serve as a major milestone in the government’s reform agenda.

He stated that FBR reforms would continue with a focus on expanding the tax net across the country.

Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated provincial governments for taking effective action against illegal cigarette trade.

He directed that the proposed pilot project for automated income tax collection be launched in Islamabad as a first step.

The meeting was informed that the new tax system would be capable of detecting under-reported income and assets by integrating data from property records, vehicle registrations, and banking transactions.

Officials also presented a comprehensive plan aimed at making inland revenue collection more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven.