Islamabad, November 19, 2024 – Rashid Mahmood, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), provided an in-depth briefing to the World Bank team on Tuesday regarding the FBR’s comprehensive transformation plan aimed at enhancing revenue collection and tax compliance in Pakistan.
The meeting, held at FBR headquarters, was attended by World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine, Lead Country Economist Tobias Akhtar Haque, Public Sector Specialist Ms. Irum Touqeer, and Senior Operations Officer Ms. Eva Liselotte Lescrauwaet. Discussions focused on aligning initiatives under the Pakistan Raises Revenue Project with the FBR’s broader transformation agenda.
Chairman Mahmood outlined the government’s vision for reforming the tax system, emphasizing the dual goals of increasing revenue and simplifying compliance for taxpayers. He identified several key focus areas, including digitalization, human resource capacity building, anti-smuggling measures, and broad-based tax administration reforms. These initiatives are designed to address gaps in tax compliance while modernizing the country’s revenue collection mechanisms.
One of the highlights of the discussion was the Chairman’s request for additional World Bank support to establish digital enforcement stations, digitize supply chains, and conduct feasibility studies for the proposed initiatives. These efforts, he noted, are critical to streamlining tax operations and ensuring transparency.
The World Bank team expressed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s revenue mobilization efforts through its Pakistan Raises Revenue Project. Country Director Najy Benhassine reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to collaborating with the FBR to implement transformative reforms. “We are aligned with the FBR’s vision and will continue working closely to achieve the shared objective of sustainable revenue growth for Pakistan,” he stated.
The FBR’s transformation plan reflects the government’s broader strategy to modernize Pakistan’s tax infrastructure, reduce tax evasion, and enhance service delivery. By leveraging digital tools and strengthening institutional capacity, the FBR aims to foster a more efficient and equitable tax system.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about the collaborative efforts. The World Bank team reiterated its support for the planned activities, emphasizing the importance of long-term partnerships to ensure the success of reform initiatives.
As Pakistan continues to navigate economic challenges, the FBR’s transformation plan represents a critical step toward building a resilient and sustainable revenue system that supports the country’s development goals.
