PM Sharif Orders FBR to Broaden Tax Base Using Latest Technology
— July 13, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) authorities to tighten their belts and serve the nation by formulating a strategy and mechanism coupled with the usage of the latest technology to broaden the tax net base without further burdening honest tax payers.
During a visit to FBR Headquarters, the PM said that the incumbent government had the sole agenda of putting Pakistan on a path of progress with consistent improvement in economic indicators. “Though it may be a difficult journey that requires collective and individual efforts, sincerity, and sacrifices, and putting forth the national interests supreme over all other interests,” he emphasised.
The PM directs FBR authorities to gear up for revenue generation with dedicated efforts using the latest technology.
Terming the staff-level arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a positive omen for the country’s economy, he hoped that the IMF board would also approve it. Sharif said it is their responsibility to act swiftly and work tirelessly to make the IMF programme the last one in the country’s history, adding that after that, a journey of progress and prosperity would commence in the country.
PM Sharif expressed confidence that Pakistan could become a great and prosperous country with collective and individual efforts. ”If we want to get rid of debts, the FBR should levy taxes on those who have not been paying any taxes,” he opined.
Sharif stressed that the country’s top taxmen should realise the issue of repeatedly burdening honest tax payers, including government employees who filed their annual tax returns. He emphasised the need to levy taxes and broaden revenue resources using the latest technology, including artificial intelligence and digitising FBR.
The prime minister maintained that seeking foreign debt pains him, as nations could not be built in this manner. He said his message was loud and clear: the current reforms in the FBR should be carried out without any personal biases, and all efforts should be directed towards national interests by rising above past tendencies.
The PM further directed the FBR chairman to bring forth all the hidden issues related to the department without wasting time. He lauded the FBR for collecting 30% more revenues compared to last year’s corresponding period and emphasised that for the collection of its set target, the enforcement of taxes should be on the top agenda. The prime minister said that in these efforts, the FBR should not create problems for the tax-paying businessmen and industrialists; rather, it should facilitate and encourage the tax payers.
The PM said that some 27 years ago, in Punjab province, they imposed a tax on the agriculture sector after thorough consultation and consideration, which was later emulated by other provinces. He also referred to the need to resolve the issue of general sales tax collection. Sharif made it clear that he would not tolerate any lapses, adding that when determination was made with sincerity, paths leading to the future were usually carved out.
Earlier, Sharif arrived at the FBR Headquarters, where he was welcomed by Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Chairman FBR Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana.
The PM laid down floral wreaths on the memorial of Shuhada, offering Fateha, as per the press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing. He said that FBR is the backbone of the country’s economy, and its automation and digitization are among the government’s top priorities. The PM directed the immediate release of Rs 2 billion for streamlining the Web-Based One Customs System (WeBOC) on the latest pattern.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jahanzaib Khan, Chairman FBR, and other senior officials.
The premier was given a briefing on the reforms being carried out in FBR and was apprised of the long-term digitization strategy.
The digitization process of all services of Pakistan Customs in accordance with the latest requirements was rapidly in progress, he was told. The PM was further informed of the completion of the first phase of the FBR Tajir Dost Mobile application, under which all the processes for tax returns could be completed with ease.
Using the latest technology, about 49,00,000 eligible people had been identified who could pay taxes. The head of state directed the broadening of the tax net base and the immediate inclusion of those identified.
He also directed the FBR chairman to meet with flour mill owners and resolve their justified demands.