Islamabad, November 13, 2023 – Pakistan Prime Minister on Monday directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy for restructuring the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has issued directives for the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to restructure the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Chairing a crucial meeting, the prime minister emphasized the need for a well-thought-out plan based on input from all stakeholders to enhance the performance of the FBR.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Kakar underscored the importance of embracing modern technology to revamp the taxation system, stating that its integration was crucial for the improvement of FBR’s functionality. The participants were briefed on measures to expand the tax net and the ongoing efforts towards the digitization of the taxation system. Various proposals aimed at restructuring the FBR were also deliberated upon.
Highlighting the significance of revenue collection as the backbone of the national economy, Prime Minister Kakar stressed that effective measures had been recently taken to combat smuggling. However, he acknowledged that more concerted efforts were required to achieve the desired results. The meeting served as a platform for key government officials to discuss strategies to further strengthen the revenue collection mechanisms.
Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Ahad Cheema, FBR Chairman, the federal finance secretary, and other relevant senior officers were present at the meeting. The diverse expertise of the attendees ensured a comprehensive discussion on the multifaceted aspects of FBR restructuring.
Prime Minister Kakar expressed his commitment to implementing impactful reforms in the FBR, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of Pakistan. He urged the concerned authorities to prioritize the formulation of a strategy that addresses the challenges faced by the FBR while aligning with the broader economic goals of the country.
The meeting also served as a platform to assess the progress made in recent initiatives aimed at curbing smuggling, a longstanding issue that has impeded revenue collection. The prime minister commended the efforts taken thus far but urged a redoubling of efforts to achieve more tangible outcomes.
As the government works towards an overhaul of the FBR, the emphasis on technology-driven solutions and stakeholder involvement reflects a commitment to modernize and streamline the taxation system. The proposed restructuring is anticipated to bring about efficiency, transparency, and increased revenue generation, contributing significantly to the economic development of Pakistan.
The directives from Prime Minister Kakar signal a proactive approach by the government in addressing the challenges faced by the FBR, marking a step towards creating a more robust and adaptive revenue collection framework in line with the evolving economic landscape. The outcome of these strategic deliberations is eagerly awaited as Pakistan navigates towards a more resilient and responsive fiscal administration.
