Islamabad, January 10, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting held on Friday, emphasized the need for urgent measures to expedite the resolution of legal cases related to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and its revenue collection efforts. He directed relevant authorities to recruit highly skilled professionals for the appellate tribunals, aiming to clear the backlog of pending cases swiftly.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the session, where he underlined the importance of appointing talented individuals with international caliber to ensure the efficient functioning of the tribunals. According to a statement from the PM Office, Shehbaz instructed that these professionals should be offered competitive salaries and benefits that align with their expertise and responsibilities. This, he believes, will attract the right talent needed to handle the complex legal issues surrounding the FBR’s revenue operations.
Shehbaz also stressed the urgent need to address the backlog of cases that has been hindering the efficient functioning of the FBR. He warned that any delays in this process would not be tolerated and urged for a focused, solution-oriented approach from the concerned officials. The prime minister’s push for reform comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to enhance its tax collection capabilities and streamline its revenue systems.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the progress being made on FBR reforms, which have been designed to strengthen the country’s tax administration. A key reform includes the introduction of a Faceless Customs Assessment System at the Karachi Port, a significant initiative aimed at curbing corruption and reducing clearance times for goods.
Shehbaz reiterated his government’s commitment to broadening the tax base and ensuring that tax evaders are brought into the system. He pointed out that this would help reduce the financial burden on the low income group, ensuring that all sectors contribute fairly to the national revenue pool. He also instructed that reforms in the Inland Appellate Tribunals be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Federal Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, the Attorney General of Pakistan, and other senior officers.