Islamabad, July 18, 2024 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif disclosed today that a massive tax refund fraud amounting to Rs 800 billion has been uncovered over the past four months, highlighting the success of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) digital transformation efforts.
Chairing a crucial meeting in Islamabad focused on FBR reforms and digitalization, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the positive impact of these measures on the tax refund system, as reported by Radio Pakistan. He pledged further improvements to ensure efficiency and transparency. “Reforms within the FBR are pivotal in boosting revenue,” he stated during the session.
Expressing concern over delays in implementing crucial reform projects, Prime Minister Shehbaz lamented the setbacks and urged swift action to address pending tax-related cases. The meeting revealed that a staggering 83,579 cases involving Rs 3.2 trillion are currently pending in various courts and tribunals across the country. Recent efforts under the current administration have resolved 63 cases amounting to Rs 44 billion.
Advanced technology has played a pivotal role in identifying 4.9 million potential taxpayers capable of contributing to the national exchequer. Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed authorities to prioritize bringing these individuals into the tax net without imposing additional burdens on the less privileged.
Highlighting recent achievements, officials reported that 150,000 retailers have been registered via a trader-friendly mobile application since April. Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized ongoing consultations with retailers to enhance the system’s efficiency. He further directed the expansion of appellate tribunals to 100, aimed at expediting case resolutions, particularly in customs-related matters.
In a bid to strengthen oversight and enforcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz called for the full digitalization of the Fraud Detection and Investigation Department within the FBR. He stressed the necessity of centralizing ongoing reform initiatives under a unified framework to streamline operations and enhance accountability.
As the government intensifies efforts to combat financial misconduct and bolster revenue streams, Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the imperative of maintaining transparency and efficiency across all levels of tax administration. The revelations from today’s meeting mark a significant step forward in the government’s commitment to fiscal integrity and economic stability.