Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given formal approval for the establishment of an internationally benchmarked digital ecosystem within FBR. The initiative aims to transform the current system into a robust, centralized digital infrastructure capable of real-time data integration and monitoring across the entire economic value chain. The directive also includes hiring globally recognized experts to support the implementation of this initiative.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting focused on reviewing the progress of FBR’s ongoing reform agenda. Present at the meeting were Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, FBR Chairman, Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, and senior economic and policy officials. The meeting provided updates on the development of the digital ecosystem, which seeks to consolidate FBR’s data systems and enable seamless monitoring from the production of raw materials to end-user purchases.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the aim is not limited to digitization alone, but rather the creation of a comprehensive and functional digital ecosystem that supports transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the tax system. He emphasized the need to integrate all relevant economic data—spanning imports, manufacturing, supply chain, and final consumer transactions—into one unified platform. This centralized data model will allow the government to analyze the economic flow at every stage, enhancing the ability to make informed policy and fiscal decisions.
He also highlighted the potential of this ecosystem to contribute significantly to economic decision-making, particularly by supporting strategic policy formulation based on real-time insights. By enabling greater visibility into economic activity, the platform would assist in addressing issues within the informal economy, and help widen the tax base without burdening the general public. According to the prime minister, reducing the tax burden on citizens can only be achieved by drawing more individuals and entities into the formal economy through advanced monitoring and compliance mechanisms.
The development of this ecosystem is part of a broader government effort to reform public institutions using technology and data. The initiative reflects the administration’s focus on fostering digitization and institutional modernization to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. As FBR moves forward with the plan, the involvement of international experts is expected to help align the platform with global best practices in tax administration and data governance.
Officials have been directed to expedite work on the project and ensure that all aspects of the digital ecosystem meet global standards. The effort marks a significant move toward building a more transparent and accountable revenue system that can support Pakistan’s broader economic reforms.
