Islamabad, March 25, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the establishment of the Strategic Tariff and Revenue Analysis Wing (STRAW) and has subsequently transferred 11 senior Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officers in BS-21 to this newly created division.
This initiative marks a significant step in FBR’s ongoing efforts to streamline revenue analysis and improve taxation policies in Pakistan.
The formation of STRAW was approved during an FBR meeting held on March 7, 2025. The division is structured to function separately for Inland Revenue and Pakistan Customs, aiming to enhance analytical capabilities regarding revenue collection, industry-specific taxation issues, and jurisdictional performance. STRAW is expected to act as a dedicated analytical arm, offering in-depth evaluations and assisting policymakers in devising effective fiscal strategies.
Key Functions of STRAW
The newly established STRAW will operate under the direct supervision of Member-Policy (Inland Revenue/Customs) and will focus on the following areas:
1. Independent Revenue Analysis: STRAW will evaluate revenue trends and the efficiency of organizational structures within the taxation framework.
2. Tax Compliance Monitoring: It will conduct structured studies on compliance trends among different taxpayer categories, identifying risk areas and ensuring that FBR remains adaptive to evolving economic conditions.
3. Sectoral Studies: The division will assess taxation policies for various industries, helping policymakers make data-driven decisions for improving sector-specific tax collection.
4. Input for Legislative Changes: Based on its findings, STRAW will provide recommendations for legislative amendments to enhance revenue collection mechanisms.
5. Operational Assessments: Officers assigned to STRAW will conduct evaluations on budget suggestions, jurisdictional performance, and operational efficiencies.
6. Confidentiality Assurance: All officers posted in STRAW will be required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding data and analysis reports.
Administrative & Reporting Structure
The FBR has outlined a well-defined administrative framework for STRAW. Officers assigned to the division will report directly to Member-Policy (Inland Revenue/Customs), ensuring a structured flow of responsibilities. Their assignments will be time-bound, and evaluations will be reviewed either by the Member-Policy or through a designated committee.
In its notification, FBR emphasized that the officers will be responsible for conducting presentations before the Board or concerned members when necessary. Additionally, the strategic findings of STRAW may be published with the Board’s approval to foster transparency and informed decision-making.
New Transfers & Implementation
To ensure the smooth implementation of STRAW, FBR has transferred 11 senior IRS officers (BS-21) to the new division. These officers will be assigned specific tasks by the Director General of STRAW under the guidance of the Member (IR-Policy) at FBR Headquarters in Islamabad. Further appointments of officers from BS-17 to BS-21 may be made by the Admin/HR Wing as required.
Technical & Logistical Support
To facilitate the operations of STRAW, FBR’s DG (IT&DT) will provide the necessary technical support. If required, virtual work arrangements may be set up for officers, depending on operational needs determined by the concerned Member-Policy.
The establishment of STRAW signifies FBR’s commitment to strengthening its tax administration system. By leveraging data-driven insights and structured revenue analysis, FBR aims to enhance tax compliance, optimize policy interventions, and ensure more efficient revenue collection for Pakistan’s economic stability.