Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that expanding the tax net is a top priority for the Pakistani government. This initiative aims to alleviate the tax burden on ordinary citizens by lowering the tax ratio.

Speaking at a review meeting focused on enhancing the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) tax net and collection efforts, the Prime Minister praised the economic team for its progress toward achieving FBR’s revenue targets for the current fiscal year.

Prime Minister Sharif instructed that individuals and sectors capable of paying taxes should be incorporated into the tax net. He called for stringent measures against those involved in tax evasion and highlighted the importance of accountability for officers who assist tax evaders.

Additionally, the Prime Minister advocated for the use of modern technology to curb tax evasion and ordered the digital monitoring of the cement and other sectors to be completed by next month.

Efforts to boost tax revenue from the tobacco sector, in collaboration with provincial authorities, were also urged to be expedited. Sharif stressed the need for effective pursuit of pending tax cases to ensure recovery of the nation’s funds.

He asserted that the national economy is stable and poised for advancement, urging collective efforts for the country’s development.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the full implementation of the Track and Trace System at cement plants has resulted in a significant increase in tax revenue. A similar rise of thirty-five percent in tax collection was noted in the sugar industry from November 2024 to April 2025.

The participants were also informed that the tax collection target, equivalent to ten point six percent of GDP, is expected to be achieved through ongoing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue.