ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to intensify efforts in recovering taxes from major evaders.
The directives were issued during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office that focused on implementing reforms within the FBR.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, included key figures such as Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar, and FBR Chairman Jahanzaib Khan, among other high-ranking officials. The discussions primarily centered around comprehensive reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s premier revenue collecting agency.
During the meeting, FBR Chairman Jahanzaib Khan briefed the Prime Minister on the progress made in detecting offshore assets owned by Pakistani citizens and the recovery of taxes in accordance with the country’s laws. The emphasis on tracking offshore assets aligns with the government’s commitment to curbing tax evasion and ensuring compliance with fiscal regulations.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, underscoring the importance of the ongoing reforms, stated that these efforts within the FBR are integral to the broader agenda of reforms laid out by the government. He emphasized the need for a robust and proactive approach to enhance tax recovery from large-scale tax evaders.
One of the key directives from the Prime Minister was to broaden the tax base by bringing non-filers into the tax net. This strategic move aims to ensure that a larger segment of the population contributes to the national exchequer, promoting fairness and equity in the taxation system.
The focus on tax recovery from major evaders and the push to broaden the tax base reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s fiscal position and fostering economic stability. The reforms within the FBR are expected to streamline tax collection processes, reduce instances of tax evasion, and contribute to the overall economic development of Pakistan.
The directives from the Prime Minister come at a crucial juncture, as the government seeks to bolster revenue collection to address fiscal challenges and meet developmental needs. The emphasis on accountability and transparency in tax matters aligns with the government’s broader vision of ensuring good governance and financial discipline.
As the FBR gears up to implement these directives, the effectiveness of these measures will likely be closely monitored, with implications for the economic landscape and the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations. The commitment to combat tax evasion and enhance tax recovery reaffirms the government’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and equitable economic environment in Pakistan.
