LAHORE: In an urgent and decisive move to accelerate tax revenue generation, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued fresh directives to its nationwide tax offices, ordering extended enforcement operations and late-night sittings on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This measure signals a significant intensification of efforts to meet the country’s ambitious collection targets as the fiscal year draws to a close.
In a high-stakes office order, the FBR has directed all Large Taxpayer Offices (LTOs), the Medium Taxpayer Office (MTO), Corporate Tax Offices (CTOs), and Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) across Pakistan to remain operational until 8:00 PM on the designated Saturday. This directive is part of a broader set of intensified enforcement measures aimed at turbocharging revenue collection before the current fiscal year concludes on June 30th.
Sources within the revenue authority confirm that the FBR is operating under immense pressure to close a substantial collection shortfall. The department is committed to meeting its daunting target of Rs12.332 trillion in total revenue for the 2024-25 fiscal year—a crucial commitment made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of ongoing economic reforms and agreements.
The urgency of the situation is further underscored by the FBR’s prior decision to suspend the Saturday holiday for all Inland Revenue staff until June 30, 2025. This move highlights the critical nature of this year-end collection push, emphasizing that all available resources are being mobilized to achieve the revenue goals.
Despite the prevailing pressure, there have been recent signs of resilience in tax collection. The FBR recently reported an impressive 30% month-on-month surge in tax collection for April 2025. This follows an already robust 28% growth recorded in March. This sustained surge has propelled the year-to-date tax collection figures beyond last year’s full-year target of Rs9,300 billion, even after the FBR issued Rs43 billion in refunds to taxpayers.
Officials indicate that these extended hours and intensified enforcement activities reflect the FBR’s unwavering resolve to meet its obligations and ensure a strong close to the fiscal year. With the stakes arguably higher than ever for Pakistan’s economy, the tax machinery is clearly shifting into overdrive. For the FBR, achieving its collection targets is not merely a goal, but a mission deemed essential for the country’s financial stability.
With taxpayers and officials now on high alert, all eyes remain firmly fixed on the FBR’s performance as the fiscal year enters its most critical phase.
