In a recent address at a ceremony in Lahore commemorating the diligent efforts of Federal Board of Tax officers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing revenue collection through comprehensive reforms. The ceremony not only celebrated the exemplary services of tax officers but also served as a platform for outlining key strategies to address Pakistan’s revenue challenges.
PM Shehbaz emphasized the pivotal role of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in achieving revenue targets and underscored the need for legislative reforms to ensure efficiency and accountability within the institution. He directed relevant authorities to draft laws that would facilitate the appointment of competent and diligent officials to key positions within the FBR.
Highlighting revenue collection as one of Pakistan’s foremost challenges, PM Shehbaz expressed confidence in overcoming this hurdle through the appointment of impartial and capable personnel. He affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing promised FBR reforms and emphasized stringent consequences for ineptitude and corruption within the institution.
A significant aspect of the government’s efforts includes addressing the backlog of tax-related cases, which amount to a staggering 2,700 billion rupees. PM Shehbaz announced the enactment of legislation aimed at expediting these cases, once ratified by the President, to ensure swift resolution and enhanced revenue recovery.
Recognizing the exceptional performance of diligent officers, PM Shehbaz distributed shields and announced cash prizes as tokens of appreciation. This gesture not only acknowledges their contributions but also serves as a motivation for continued excellence in tax collection efforts.
Minister for Finance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, echoed PM Shehbaz’s sentiments, emphasizing the identification of weaknesses in the tax collection system and ongoing efforts to address them. He highlighted the need for increased registration of industrial and commercial electricity and gas connections for sales tax purposes, indicating a broader strategy to broaden the tax base.
Chairman of the FBR, Amjad Zubair Tiwana, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to improving performance and ensuring integrity in revenue collection efforts. He outlined measures being undertaken to enhance efficiency and transparency within the FBR, underscoring the importance of honesty and integrity in revenue collection endeavors.
Prime Minister’s pledge to reform the tax system and boost revenue collection underscores the government’s determination to address Pakistan’s fiscal challenges. Through legislative reforms, institutional improvements, and recognition of exemplary performance, the government aims to strengthen the tax administration and foster economic growth and stability in the country.
