Islamabad, Dec 31: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to bring 4.9 million affluent individuals into the tax net, ensuring no additional financial strain on the underprivileged.
Key Highlights from the FBR Reforms Meeting:
- FBR Reforms and Digitisation:
PM Sharif chaired a four-hour review meeting, focusing on Inland Revenue and Customs reforms. International consultancy firm McKinsey is overseeing the digitisation process, which has shown promising initial results. - Tax Refund Fraud Detection:
An Rs800 billion tax refund fraud was identified in the past four months. The PM called for enhancements to the tax refund system and swift resolution of delayed reform projects. - Pending Tax Cases:
The FBR revealed 83,579 pending cases worth Rs3.2 trillion. Recent efforts have resolved 63 cases valued at Rs44 billion within four months. - Trader-Friendly Mobile Application:
Since its launch on April 1, 2024, the app has registered 150,000 retailers. The PM urged continued consultations to refine the system further. - Technological Advancements:
- Implementation of the Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) at Pakistan-Afghanistan borders (Torkham, Chaman) by October 2024.
- Development of the Automated Entry-Exit System (AEES) for ports and airports, linking with Pakistan Single Window.
Additional Directives:
- Expedite resolutions by increasing appellate tribunals to 100.
- Ensure no delays in sales tax refunds and recover illegal past refunds.
- Fully digitise the Fraud Detection and Investigation Department.
- Centralise FBR reform projects using modern technology and skilled personnel.
Nationwide Integration:
The Single Sales Tax Return system, already active in the telecom sector, will connect FBR with provincial revenue authorities and be applied nationwide by October 2024.
PM Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to modernising revenue systems and ensuring efficient resource management.
