ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Tuesday, directed tax authorities to take strict measures against tax evaders and corrupt officials within the tax departments. The prime minister issued these directives during a meeting focused on the government’s revenue generation efforts.
PM Khan emphasized the need for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to expose tax evaders and defaulters to the public through indiscriminate action. He also stressed the importance of initiating appropriate proceedings against corrupt elements within the revenue and tax departments who facilitate tax evasion.
While advocating for a crackdown on tax evasion, the prime minister also called for measures to facilitate regular taxpayers, ensuring that they are not subjected to unnecessary harassment.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Minister for Finance Asad Umar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar, PM’s spokesperson Nadeem Afzal Chan, Special Assistant to PM Iftikhar Durrani, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Jehanzeb Khan, and other officials, according to a press release from the PM office media wing.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Khan remarked that tax evaders are enemies of the country and the nation, and they do not deserve any leniency. He underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the tax system.
FBR Chairman Jehanzeb Khan provided a detailed briefing on tax collection efforts and initiatives aimed at broadening the tax base. He revealed that cases of 6,000 high-net-worth individuals were under examination, with an expected revenue collection of Rs2 billion. So far, around Rs1.3 billion has been collected.
The chairman also highlighted the completion of mapping 2,000 plazas and the installation of over 2,500 points of sale for automated revenue collection. These initiatives are projected to generate approximately Rs24.8 billion.
Prime Minister Khan’s directives come as part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue generation and ensure fiscal discipline. By targeting tax evaders and corrupt officials, the government aims to strengthen its financial position and create a more equitable tax system.
The government’s efforts to broaden the tax base and increase transparency are expected to boost public confidence in the tax system and contribute to the country’s economic stability. As these measures are implemented, the FBR will play a critical role in ensuring compliance and maintaining the integrity of the tax administration.