Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a stern warning to officials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday, emphasizing that any individual found fabricating cases or presenting weak grounds in tax-related matters will face exemplary punitive actions. This declaration underscores the premier’s zero-tolerance policy towards malpractice and inefficiency within the revenue body.
During a high-level review meeting focused on expediting the FBR’s legal proceedings, Shehbaz directed authorities to accelerate efforts for the swift resolution of tax revenue cases currently under trial. He instructed the engagement of top-tier legal professionals to strengthen the FBR’s representation in courts, ensuring that the organization’s legal standing is robust and effective.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the prime minister noted that the transformational measures within the FBR are being implemented without delay, yielding positive outcomes. In addition, he ordered a comprehensive forensic audit of tax-related cases to identify discrepancies and ensure transparency.
Shehbaz also underscored the importance of incentivizing integrity and diligence among FBR officers. He announced that officials who demonstrate honesty, hard work, and merit in building legitimate cases will be rewarded with special incentives, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the organization.
The meeting was briefed on significant progress following the prime minister’s earlier directives. Senior officials reported that reputable legal experts had been incorporated into the FBR’s panel, leading to the resolution of 586 cases in the High Court and 637 pending cases in the Supreme Court between July and December 2024. Despite these achievements, it was revealed that an alarming 33,522 cases involving a staggering Rs4.7 trillion remain pending across various courts and tribunals nationwide.
To address this backlog, a litigation management dashboard for higher courts has been developed within the FBR, streamlining the monitoring and management of legal cases. Additionally, the Ministry of Law and Justice is finalizing a tax tribunals management system, slated for launch in the near future, which is expected to further enhance efficiency in resolving tax disputes.
The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, the FBR chairman, and other senior representatives. The government’s determined stance reflects its commitment to fostering a fair and transparent tax system while addressing the nation’s critical fiscal challenges.