Islamabad, March 23, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to assess the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), where he lauded the institution for its historic recovery of Rs 34.5 billion.
He expressed deep appreciation for the ministers and officials who contributed to this milestone, emphasizing that such achievements demonstrate the power of dedication and hard work.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz specifically praised Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Syed Tauqir Shah, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, Secretary Finance Imdad Ullah Bosal, Secretary Information Ambreen Jan, FBR Chairman Arshad Mehmood Langrial, Director General Intelligence Bureau Fawad Asadullah Khan, and Director General FIA Jan Muhammad. He acknowledged their collective efforts in ensuring this significant financial recovery within just 24 hours.
PM Shehbaz described the recovery as a historic accomplishment that sets a strong precedent for future financial governance. He noted that this achievement should serve as a starting point for broader reforms, stating, “This is just the beginning of a journey towards a robust and transparent revenue system. We must establish a permanent, sustainable framework for the FBR to ensure continued success.”
Emphasizing long-term structural improvements, PM Shehbaz directed FBR officials to present a comprehensive legal framework to facilitate consistent recoveries. He stressed the importance of FBR reforms, including enhanced tax law enforcement, 100 percent digitalization, third-party validation, and continuous monitoring. He insisted that accountability be upheld, ensuring strict action against any officials engaged in malpractice while also recognizing and rewarding diligent officers.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz called for an overhaul of FBR’s manpower policies, urging improvements in recruitment, training, and professional development. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming FBR into a more efficient institution, stating, “If we want to change Pakistan’s destiny, we must first transform our governance systems permanently.”
The meeting also covered ongoing court cases related to tax recoveries, with FBR Chairman Arshad Mehmood Langrial providing updates on legal reforms, tax assessment through digital algorithms, and overall progress in FBR’s modernization efforts. PM Shehbaz reiterated his government’s resolve to safeguard public funds, vowing to take every measure to strengthen the country’s financial infrastructure.