ISLAMABAD: Shabbar Zaidi, the newly appointed Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has made a swift impact by issuing new directives aimed at improving transparency and taxpayer relations. In his first major move after assuming office, Zaidi directed that no taxpayer’s bank account would be frozen without prior notice, ensuring that taxpayers are informed at least 24 hours in advance.
A directive released on Friday emphasized that “no bank account attachment [will occur] unless the taxpayer’s CEO, principal officer, or owner is informed at least 24 hours prior to the attachment, and the FBR Chairman’s approval is obtained.” This move is seen as a significant step toward enhancing trust between the tax authority and taxpayers, as previous practices of freezing accounts without notice had drawn criticism.
Zaidi, a seasoned tax expert and former head of a leading audit firm, addressed FBR officers shortly after taking charge, sharing his vision for reforming the tax system and the institution’s functioning. His message centered around modernization, transparency, and efficiency.
One of the key points highlighted by the new chairman was the need for FBR to transition from manual processes to a fully automated system. Zaidi stressed that automation would not only streamline operations but also make it easier for taxpayers to comply with tax obligations, ultimately improving tax collection. “We must facilitate the taxpayers and make the system simpler and more transparent through automation,” he said.
Zaidi also focused on the importance of documenting all economic transactions, noting that improved documentation would significantly enhance revenue generation for the country. This is aligned with the government’s broader agenda to expand the tax net and reduce reliance on external debt.
Addressing FBR officers, Zaidi reassured them that their concerns and challenges would be addressed under his leadership. He called for teamwork, urging all officers to work together to improve the institution’s performance. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the FBR but expressed confidence that these could be overcome through collaborative efforts.
Zaidi also thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for the trust placed in him and vowed to meet the government’s expectations by bringing about necessary reforms. In a candid exchange, he responded to questions from the FBR officers and promised regular communication to ensure all issues are addressed promptly.
The new chairman’s early actions and statements have been well-received, signaling a more taxpayer-friendly and efficient FBR under his leadership.
