PM Shehbaz calls for tech-driven customs clearance to boost tax collection
Business
Points out the effective enforcement of existing taxes could further enhance revenue collection
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the recent improvement in tax collection through reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is both encouraging and a step in the right direction, while emphasising the need to further push the envelope by adopting technology in customs clearance processes.
The prime minister chaired a weekly review meeting on FBR’s ongoing reform initiatives on Tuesday, with a focus on enhancing tax collection and streamlining the customs clearance system.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the reforms must be long-lasting and effective, calling for the elimination of red tape and bureaucratic hurdles that slow down progress.
He directed officials to promote the use of modern technology in customs clearance to save time, ensure transparency, and implement reforms uniformly across the country.
He also underlined the importance of joint efforts by federal and provincial governments to meet tax targets. He pointed out that the effective enforcement of existing taxes could further enhance revenue collection.
To raise public awareness about tax reforms, the premier instructed FBR and Customs to step up their outreach efforts with the help of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
FBR introduces Pakistan's first AI-based custom clearance, risk management system
During the meeting, it was revealed that FBR has already met its tax collection target for July, the first month of the current fiscal year. Progress was also reported on the implementation of digital enforcement stations and a faceless customs clearance system, which aims to cut down on delays and improve efficiency.
Acting on the Prime Minister’s instructions, the government has also made online income tax return forms available in Urdu, benefiting approximately 84 per cent of taxpayers and making the process more user-friendly.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, the Chairman FBR, the Attorney General, and other senior officials.
