ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the acceleration of reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) during a weekly review meeting focused on ongoing changes within the organization.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister acknowledged the increasing trust of the business community in the ongoing tax reforms. He advised the Chairman of the FBR and senior officials to spend two days each month in Karachi and Lahore to further these efforts. Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of advancing enforcement measures to meet the set revenue targets.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif commended the FBR’s actions against illegal cigarette manufacturing in Chakwal and Swabi. He also called for the timely completion of the proposed faceless system for Inland Revenue, with a full rollout expected by 2027. The initial phase of this system is planned to be operational by October 1, incorporating AI and modern technologies to enhance the FBR’s digitization efforts. This includes establishing a National Faceless Audit Wing for tax audits and a Faceless Assessment Unit for evaluations.