Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called upon officers of FBR to serve with unwavering commitment and dedication to help Pakistan move toward becoming a debt-free nation. Addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad to mark the launch of a new Performance Management System for FBR officers, the Prime Minister emphasized that the country’s path to economic independence lies in significantly enhancing domestic revenue generation.
“If we want to move away from IMF, we must work hard to increase our revenues,”
he remarked during the event, underlining the urgent need to bolster Pakistan’s financial capacity through effective tax collection and institutional reform. The prime minister lauded the recent growth in FBR’s performance, noting a 27 percent increase in revenue collection. He praised the entire FBR team for this progress, but cautioned that the journey ahead remains long and requires closing systemic loopholes that have historically undermined fiscal discipline.
Prime Minister Sharif commended the finance minister, the secretary finance, the chairman of the FBR, and the entire supporting team for their efforts in launching a comprehensive and efficient performance monitoring system. He also announced his intention to replicate this model across other government institutions to foster a culture of accountability and productivity, grounded in a transparent system of penalties and rewards. During his visit to the FBR headquarters, the prime minister was briefed on the operations of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), as well as ongoing initiatives such as digital invoicing and the newly launched performance evaluation platform. He also toured the newly established FBR Delivery Unit, where he met with officers and reviewed operations firsthand.
Officials informed the prime minister that FBR is moving toward a data-driven decision-making model, which includes extensive collaboration with entities such as NADRA, financial institutions, and various sectors to gather data on payments and asset acquisitions. This integrated data approach is expected to not only strengthen tax compliance but also ensure transparency in financial reporting and oversight. As part of broader digitization reforms, the entire tax value chain is being modernized. Preparations for the launch of a digital invoicing system are now complete, and the system is expected to be rolled out in the near future. According to officials, this will significantly reduce manual inefficiencies and curb revenue leakage, thereby aligning the FBR with global best practices in tax administration.
Another key development shared during the visit was the simplification of tax return forms for the ongoing fiscal year, aimed at making compliance easier for individuals and businesses alike. Furthermore, over 35 additional companies have been brought into the tax net under the new measures, reflecting the government’s active drive to expand the tax base. At the heart of Friday’s announcement was the unveiling of the fully automated Performance Management System for FBR officers. This digital platform will evaluate officers based on real-time performance metrics, making them eligible for financial incentives, promotions, and other career advancements strictly on merit. The prime minister highlighted that such a system is pivotal in recognizing and rewarding those who contribute meaningfully to national revenue efforts, while also holding underperformers accountable.
During his interaction with FBR officers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the staff of the Delivery Unit as a national asset. He expressed optimism that with their continued dedication and professionalism, they would play a transformative role in modernizing Pakistan’s tax system, increasing revenue, and steering the country toward financial stability. The prime minister’s visit and the launch of these initiatives signal the government’s strong intent to drive meaningful reform within FBR—ushering in a new era of digitization, accountability, and fiscal resilience. As Pakistan grapples with economic challenges, such steps are seen as essential for building a more robust and self-sustaining economy.
