ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for the expedited implementation of tax reforms, emphasizing the importance of completing the process within the set timeline. The directive was issued during a weekly review meeting in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister underscored the significance of these reforms for national development.
According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting focused on the Federal Board of Revenue’s ongoing reforms, highlighting the restructuring of the Pakistan Revenue Automation (Pvt.) Ltd. (PRAL) and the introduction of new digital platforms aimed at modernizing the tax system. Prime Minister Sharif stressed the importance of a third-party audit to ensure transparency and effectiveness in the reform process, which includes efforts to counter tax evasion, smuggling, and illegal business operations.
Digitalization, production monitoring, and the implementation of automated systems were identified as key components of the Federal Board of Revenue’s strategy. The meeting also addressed the development of IRIS 3.0, a new tax operating model that is being designed with international consultants to enhance the system’s efficiency through data integration and the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
Participants were briefed on various initiatives, such as the establishment of a Central Assessment Unit in Islamabad, scheduled to be operational by December, and the recruitment of new senior personnel in PRAL. The meeting also highlighted the positive impact of faceless assessment in customs, which contributed to a 12 percent increase in average revenue per Goods Declaration in the first half of the year.
Additionally, the meeting addressed measures to prevent illegal petroleum product transportation, including the closure of 2,500 illegal petrol pumps through the Rahguzar App and the implementation of digital monitoring systems. The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue and his team, recognizing the progress made in enhancing the country’s tax infrastructure.