Islamabad, May 7, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the formation of a project management team tasked with overseeing the digitalization of Pakistan’s tax system.
This initiative is part of a broader agreement with Karandaaz Pakistan, a company dedicated to financial and digital inclusion projects in the country.
The FBR has appointed a seasoned group of its senior officials along with a representative from Karandaaz to drive this transformative project. Leading the team as the Project Director is Muhammad Khalid Jamil, a BS-20 officer from the Inland Revenue Service (IRS). He is joined by Zain-ul-Abidin Sahi, Chief of IT Systems, and Arshad Nawaz Chheena, Chief of Revenue Operations. Ms. Bushra Jaffar, from the Reforms & Modernization Wing, and Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Director of Point of Sale systems from the Directorate General of Digital Initiatives, also form key parts of the leadership circle. From Karandaaz, Usman Kokab will act as the focal person, bridging the efforts between FBR and the private sector.
This high-powered team is set to manage the execution and implementation of the digital transformation project from its inception through to completion. According to FBR’s announcement, their primary responsibilities will include ensuring strict adherence to timelines, deliverables, and quality standards throughout the project’s lifecycle. The team will also focus on seamless coordination among all stakeholders involved.
The digitalization of the tax system is aimed at making tax administration more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. By integrating advanced technological solutions, the FBR intends to improve taxpayer services and compliance rates, while also reducing administrative costs and efforts associated with tax collection and enforcement.
The move is expected to bring several benefits including enhanced revenue collection through improved tax compliance, real-time data integration which will assist in policy-making and enforcement strategies, and a reduction in the bureaucratic red tape that often hinders efficient tax processing. Moreover, digitization will also make it easier for taxpayers to fulfill their obligations, improving the overall tax culture in Pakistan.
“Digitalization of the tax system is a critical step forward in our commitment to reform tax administration in the country,” said a spokesperson from the FBR. “This project will bring us in line with global standards and practices, ensuring that our processes are not only efficient but also transparent and taxpayer-friendly.”
The initiative is also seen as a crucial element in the government’s broader economic reform agenda, which includes increasing digital financial services across the country to promote financial inclusion. Partnering with Karandaaz, known for its expertise in digital and financial solutions, indicates the FBR’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions to modernize its systems.
As the project progresses, the FBR has promised to keep the public informed of developments and milestones achieved. This project not only highlights the FBR’s resolve to enhance its operational capacities but also sets a precedent for other government departments to follow, signaling a major shift towards digital governance in Pakistan.
