ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to accelerate revenue-raising measures to cover the shortfalls recorded during the first five months of the current fiscal year.
FBR has reported a revenue gap of over Rs400 billion compared to the same period last year, posing a major challenge to meeting the government’s annual targets.
According to an official statement, the prime minister urged relevant authorities to broaden the tax net and intensify efforts to reach the government’s goal of an 11% tax-to-GDP ratio. He issued these directives while chairing a weekly review meeting on FBR-related matters.
On customs operations, Mr. Shehbaz commended FBR for significantly reducing clearance times at ports through the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence. He instructed authorities to further shorten clearance periods for both imports and exports and ensure robust tax enforcement across all sectors.
The premier was also briefed on the crackdown against smuggling and the production of duty-free cigarettes. He appreciated FBR and law enforcement agencies for their effective actions against illegal cigarette factories and directed that sales tax refunds be issued to taxpayers without delay.
During the briefing, FBR reported progress on initiatives related to tax digitisation, revenue mobilisation, and anti-evasion measures. Officials informed the prime minister that focal persons have been appointed by both FBR and provincial excise departments to bring the tobacco sector into the tax net nationwide.
In line with the premier’s directives to curb illegal cigarette trade, FBR has deployed 120 Pakistan Rangers personnel at GLT units across the country and stationed dedicated monitors under Section 40B of the Sales Tax Act 1990 and Section 45 of the Federal Excise Act 2005 to ensure lawful production and movement of goods.
The meeting also reviewed updates on pending tax cases in tribunals and other relevant institutions.
