As part of ongoing efforts to expand the tax net and boost revenue generation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take decisive action against tax defaulters. This directive comes as the government intensifies its focus on enhancing the performance of FBR, a key aspect of the country’s broader tax reform initiatives.
During a review meeting held on Saturday, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve the efficiency of FBR.
“Improving FBR performance through technology is the government’s top priority,”
said PM Shehbaz while overseeing discussions on strategies to boost revenue collection.
The meeting, which was attended by key officials including Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, and senior government officials, also included a briefing on the installation and monitoring of video analytics in the sugar industry. PM Shehbaz expressed that the use of video analytics in the sugar sector would play a pivotal role in improving revenue collection, eliminating hoarding, and stabilizing prices.
Prime Minister stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of sugar at affordable prices for the public, noting that the video analytics system would also help monitor sugar stocks regularly to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain.
“Our utmost effort is to ensure the availability of sugar at affordable prices for the public,”
the Premier said, signaling his administration’s commitment to controlling market dynamics through technology.
Further underlining his focus on tax reforms, PM Shehbaz directed the authorities to take stern and indiscriminate action against tax evasion and under-reporting by sugar mills. He also acknowledged that the ongoing digitalisation efforts within the FBR would bring significant financial benefits to the national treasury, calling for the swift completion of the FBR’s value chain digitisation. The government aims to use technological advancements to streamline processes and reduce loopholes, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
Prime Minister’s directives follow closely after the launch of FBR’s Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) System, a major part of FBR Transformation Plan, which was approved by Prime Minister earlier this year. FCA system, which took effect on December 14, mandates that all import goods declarations filed after midnight at Karachi’s Appraisement Collectorates will now be assessed by the Central Appraising Unit (CAU), streamlining the process to reduce human error and delay.
In addition to FCA, the government has introduced an incentive-based performance management system for Customs appraising officers. This system is designed to enhance the productivity of the officers, rewarding those who perform their duties with diligence and integrity. Officers who demonstrate high levels of competence will receive positive evaluations, while those who fail to meet performance standards could face penalties, including losing their licenses.
The government has also revamped the eligibility criteria and licensing regime for Customs Clearing Agents. Under the new system, a points-scoring mechanism has been introduced to ensure greater accountability. Customs agents who submit accurate and honest declarations about goods’ descriptions, values, and origins will earn more points, enhancing their profile and reputation. Conversely, agents who submit incorrect or misleading declarations will lose points, with the possibility of license revocation if improvements are not made.
These initiatives, which are part of a broader effort to modernize Pakistan’s tax and customs systems, aim to ensure that the country’s tax framework is more efficient, transparent, and accountable. With the introduction of these reforms, the government is hoping to see an increase in revenue collection, improve compliance, and reduce the prevalence of corruption in the customs and tax sectors.
As the government moves forward with these reforms, it remains committed to improving Pakistan’s economic landscape, with the ultimate goal of bolstering revenue and achieving greater financial stability for the country.
