Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the urgent need to resolve trillions of rupees worth of pending tax cases, declaring that the digital transformation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has already begun. He acknowledged that although it is a long journey, all obstacles must be removed to achieve meaningful progress. He also pointed out that the FBR has not made effective use of the track and trace system in the past.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of FBR’s Performance Management System, the Prime Minister commended the efforts of the entire team working toward the digitization of the institution and expressed confidence that the set targets would be met with the help of continued dedication.
He highlighted the importance of accelerating progress to meet revenue goals, stressing that consistent hard work is vital for a brighter and more prosperous future for Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also lauded the 27% increase in tax revenue compared to the previous year but reiterated that the immediate resolution of pending tax litigation involving trillions of rupees is essential for the country’s economic stability.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that if Pakistan truly wants to free itself from the burden of debt, it must increase its revenue streams. Otherwise, the nation will continue to face mounting debt challenges and remain dependent on institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He noted that the economy is under immense pressure due to rising debt and that it is critical to escape this vicious cycle.
Addressing the FBR’s operational issues, he said that all flaws in performance must be addressed. “We must learn from the past and move forward with responsibility and action,” he said. Referring to institutional efficiency, he added that all officials must serve the country with hard work and passion, calling for collective national responsibility and improved governance.
