PM satisfied with tax-to-GDP rise from FBR reforms
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio resulting from reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue.
Chairing a weekly review meeting on proposed reforms in the FBR in Islamabad Tuesday, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that he, along with the federal government, will fully support and safeguard the reform initiatives undertaken by the relevant authorities.
He instructed to ensure the complete implementation of reforms by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and institutional barriers. He further emphasized the need for uniform and effective enforcement of revolutionary customs clearance reforms across the country.
The Prime Minister underscored that the use of technology in the customs clearance reform agenda should significantly reduce the time required for institutional procedures.
He urged the federal and provincial governments to work in close coordination and adopt a unified strategy to sustain the gains in tax collection achieved through FBR reforms in the upcoming fiscal year. He noted that the effective implementation of previously imposed taxes will play a pivotal role in further enhancing revenue collection.
He directed the development of a comprehensive strategy, formulated in consultation with the FBR, relevant federal institutions and provincial governments, to further improve the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also affirmed that no changes will be made to the approved timeline for FBR’s tax collection and other reform targets for the upcoming fiscal year.
Besides, the Prime Minister called for strengthening the capacity of the FBR and the customs clearance system, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to raise public awareness about the reform initiatives.
The meeting was briefed that the income tax return form has been updated and made available online in Urdu, following the Prime Minister’s directive. It was said that making the form more user-friendly and accessible in Urdu will benefit approximately 84 percent of filers.
It was informed that the FBR has successfully met its tax collection target for the first month of the current fiscal year and is expected to achieve its targets in the coming months as well.
The meeting was also briefed on the ongoing establishment of digital enforcement stations for customs clearance across the country, which is being prioritized. Complete implementation of the Centralized Assessment Unit and the faceless customs system is expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the customs clearance process.
It was further apprised that the implementation of reforms in the FBR and customs clearance is progressing in line with established targets, through adjustments in policy frameworks, strategic planning, and sector-specific actions.
