Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given in-principle approval to the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) homegrown Transformation Plan aimed at improving tax collection management. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Islamabad, where the plan’s details were reviewed.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the transformation plan was developed by the FBR on the Prime Minister’s instructions, with input from economic and technological experts. The plan, which is based on a detailed analysis of 25 years of tax collection data, aims to streamline tax collection, ensuring better compliance without obstructing economic development. It also seeks to provide greater ease for citizens who fully comply with tax regulations.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the comprehensive strategy included in the plan, which focuses on the use of information technology, rewarding officers and staff for integrity and performance, and tightening enforcement of tax laws. The proposals also call for strict measures against individuals and entities that evade taxes or engage in fraudulent practices. These steps, it was noted, will be implemented after thorough consultations with compliant taxpayers.

The plan also outlines an enhancement of the FBR’s auditing capabilities to improve oversight. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the initiative and directed further consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the invitation of good taxpayers to provide input on the transformation plan.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening the FBR’s enforcement system, describing it as a critical need for the country. He emphasized the central role of the FBR in supporting the economy and noted that the digitization of the agency would be a key milestone in the government’s economic reform agenda.

Shehbaz Sharif also directed a third-party audit of all FBR projects to ensure accountability. Additionally, he stressed the importance of promoting the private sector as a government priority and ordered intensified efforts to combat smuggling, with the establishment of new check posts as part of this initiative.