Islamabad, October 10, 2025 – In a significant move toward strengthening tax enforcement, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been granted full access to national databases in real time, empowering the agency to enhance its monitoring and compliance mechanisms across the country.
According to Section 56AB of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, the FBR now holds legal authority for real-time access to information from multiple national institutions. This includes crucial data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and provincial land and excise departments.
The new law enables the FBR to access a wide range of information — from National Identity Cards (NICs) and overseas registrations to travel records, land ownership documents, and vehicle registration details. In addition, the FBR will gain access to utility data from electricity and gas companies, allowing it to identify discrepancies between consumption patterns and declared income.
Authorities say the move will help close loopholes in sales tax monitoring and improve transparency in Pakistan’s tax system. “This access marks a new era of digital tax governance,” said an official from the tax department. “It will allow us to analyze data in real time and ensure that taxpayers comply with their obligations.”
Under the revised framework, all data shared with the FBR will be treated as confidential and used strictly for tax purposes. Furthermore, agencies are required to integrate their systems with the FBR’s digital infrastructure by aligning databases for seamless, real-time access.
The government believes this initiative will not only enhance access to accurate taxpayer data but also reduce tax evasion and strengthen the country’s fiscal discipline through better inter-agency coordination.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional tax advice. Readers are advised to consult the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) or a qualified tax professional for official guidance regarding laws, procedures, or interpretations related to data access, sales tax, or compliance matters.