The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at recognizing and rewarding the nation’s diligent taxpayers. In a recent development, the FBR issued a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) on Thursday, marked as SRO 469(I)/2024 dated April 3, 2024, to inaugurate the “Pakistan Honour Card Scheme.”
Under this scheme, deserving taxpayers who were recipients of awards by the Prime Minister of Pakistan on March 26, 2024, during the ‘Tax Excellence Award’ ceremony, will be acknowledged for their significant contributions to the national exchequer. The scheme encompasses a wide array of categories, each comprising top taxpayers recognized for their exceptional performance in various sectors.
The categories and entitled taxpayers under the scheme include leading exporters, sector-wise exporters, exporters of non-traditional and innovative products, exporters with the highest growth over the last year, first-time exporters, women exporters, highest taxpayers in all taxes, highest taxpayers of income tax, new taxpayers with the highest tax paid, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Individual taxpayers, designated individuals representing Association of Persons (AOPs), and designated individuals representing companies within specific categories will be entitled to privileges under this scheme.
To qualify for the Pakistan Honour Card, taxpayers must meet specific criteria, including full payment of taxes based on returns or final taxation statements, absence of outstanding arrears or demands (unless disputed in court), and the absence of pending criminal proceedings.
The holders of the Pakistan Honour Card will enjoy a range of privileges, including access to CIP/VP lounges at airports managed by the Pakistan Airports Authority, fast-track clearance at immigration counters, issuance of official passports, and invitations to the Prime Minister’s Annual dinner.
The selection process for recipients will involve verification of particulars by the FBR’s respective field formations, based on information provided by the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL).
The privileges bestowed upon cardholders will remain valid for one year from the date of issuance. The implementation of this scheme will be overseen by various authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, Federal Investigation Authority (FIA), Pakistan Airports Authority, Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, and other relevant departments or authorities.
The introduction of the Pakistan Honour Card Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to incentivizing tax compliance and honoring the invaluable contributions of taxpayers towards national development. This initiative is poised to inspire greater participation in the tax ecosystem while fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s economic landscape.
