ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to further accelerate the implementation of ongoing tax reforms and strengthen enforcement measures to ensure the government meets its revenue targets.
The prime minister issued the directives while chairing a weekly review meeting on FBR reforms, where he also welcomed growing confidence among the business community in the government’s tax reform initiatives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the FBR chairman and senior officers to stay in Karachi and Lahore for two days every month.
He said the regular presence of senior FBR officials in the country’s major business centres would help improve oversight and support efforts to achieve the set revenue targets.
The prime minister instructed the FBR to intensify enforcement measures alongside its ongoing reform programme.
Crackdown on smuggling and tax evasion
The prime minister directed the FBR to continue effective operations against smuggling, tax evasion and illegal businesses.
He emphasised that enforcement efforts should be strengthened to ensure the government achieves its revenue collection targets.
The FBR was also directed to take action against illegal cigarette factories operating in Chakwal and Swabi.
Faceless tax system fully by 2027
Prime Minister Shehbaz also directed the FBR to ensure the full rollout of the faceless system for Inland Revenue by 2027.
The system is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise tax administration, reduce unnecessary interaction between taxpayers and officials and improve transparency.
The prime minister called for continued progress on the reform agenda and timely implementation of planned measures.
Honest officers to be appointed to sensitive posts
The prime minister further instructed the FBR to appoint honest officers and officials to all sensitive posts and departments.
He stressed the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that tax administration operates effectively as reforms are implemented.
The directive comes as the government seeks to improve tax collection and strengthen enforcement against practices that undermine the formal economy.
PM welcomes business community’s confidence
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif welcomed what he described as the growing confidence of the business community in the ongoing tax reforms.
He said continued engagement with businesses and effective implementation of reforms would be important for improving the country’s revenue system.
The prime minister directed the FBR leadership to maintain momentum on reforms while simultaneously intensifying field-level enforcement.
The meeting was part of the prime minister’s regular review of progress on FBR reforms.
Shehbaz Sharif directed the tax authority to move faster on implementation, strengthen enforcement and ensure that the reform programme delivers the desired improvements in revenue collection and tax administration.
