ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced that the last two Saturdays of November 2024 would be observed as normal working days.
In a communication circulated to Chief Commissioners Inland Revenue (CCIR) of Large Taxpayers Offices (LTOs), Medium Taxpayers Offices (MTOs), Corporate Tax Offices (CTOs), and Regional Tax Offices (RTOs), the FBR directed the observance of the last two Saturdays of November as regular working days for the collection of duties and taxes.
The FBR stated that all LTOs, MTOs, CTOs, and RTOs shall remain operational on the upcoming two Saturdays, November 23, 2024, and November 30, 2024, respectively.
Sources in the FBR revealed that the decision was made due to the revenue shortfall faced by the national tax agency. It is pertinent to mention that the FBR is facing a significant revenue shortfall for the period of July to October 2024, in its pursuit of the Rs. 12.9 trillion tax collection target.
In recent meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the FBR assured the organization that it would be able to achieve the tax collection target for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The FBR also assured that it would achieve the target without introducing any new tax measures during the remaining months of the current fiscal year.
Amid the massive shortfall in revenue collection, there were rumors that the government might introduce a mini-budget. The latest decision by the FBR to keep the tax collection offices open on Saturdays appears to be part of efforts to boost revenue collection to the optimum level.
The FBR’s move to extend working days underscores the urgency to bridge the widening revenue gap and meet international commitments. It highlights the ongoing struggle of the tax agency to ensure compliance and widen the tax net.
This decision is expected to facilitate taxpayers and businesses, enabling them to clear outstanding dues conveniently. However, critics argue that such measures may only provide temporary relief unless accompanied by structural reforms in tax policy and enforcement.
Observers note that maintaining transparency and efficiency during these extended working hours will be critical in achieving the desired outcomes. With the IMF closely monitoring Pakistan’s fiscal performance, such steps reflect the government’s resolve to avoid further fiscal instability and reliance on supplementary taxation.
