Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently disclosed staggering tax refund scams amounting to Rs 800 billion, emphasizing the critical need for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) digitization. During a meeting focused on the FBR’s ongoing reforms and modernization, Shehbaz Sharif revealed that these scams were uncovered over the past four months.
Addressing the Scams and Enhancing Efficiency
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in boosting national revenue through continued FBR reforms. He underscored the need to enhance the tax refund system to improve efficiency and transparency. Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif lamented the delays in implementing vital FBR reform projects. He was briefed that 83,579 tax-related cases, valued at Rs 3.2 trillion, remain unresolved in various courts and tribunals. However, the recent government initiatives have led to the resolution of 63 cases worth Rs 44 billion in the last four months.
FBR Digitization and Discovery of Massive Tax Scams
Advanced technology has played a crucial role in identifying tax discrepancies. Reports indicate that 4.9 million potential taxpayers are currently evading taxes. PM Shehbaz urged that these individuals be brought into the tax net without imposing additional burdens on the lower-income population.
Since April 2024, the Tajir Dost app has registered 150,000 retailers, reflecting significant progress in formalizing more businesses. The Prime Minister directed officials to actively engage with these retailers to enhance the system’s effectiveness.
Accelerating Case Resolutions and Enhancing FBR Capabilities
To expedite case resolutions, PM Shehbaz proposed increasing the number of appellate tribunals to 100, particularly for customs-related disputes. He also called for developing a dashboard to monitor tribunal performance. Stressing the importance of modernization, the Prime Minister recommended the full digitization of the FBR’s Fraud Detection and Investigation Department. Additionally, he highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to consolidate all ongoing reform projects under a centralized system.
Broader Vision for Economic Stability
These initiatives are part of PM Shehbaz’s broader vision to improve transparency, enhance revenue collection, and streamline tax administration in Pakistan. The government’s commitment to reforming the FBR is expected to foster economic stability and create a fairer tax environment. These measures aim to strengthen Pakistan’s financial infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth and development for the nation.
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PM Shehbaz Sharif’s aggressive stance on uncovering tax scams and pushing for the digitization of the FBR underscores a critical shift towards greater accountability and efficiency in Pakistan’s tax system. With continued efforts and strategic reforms, the country looks forward to a more robust and transparent fiscal future.
