— Says institutional reforms are progressing rapidly across all sectors
— Directs engaging internationally recognised audit firms for third-party validation of reforms
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Monday that institutional reforms are progressing rapidly across all sectors, as part of a broader effort to eliminate corruption and address persistent gaps in transparency.
“All government institutions are working tirelessly to eliminate corruption and other deficiencies, such as lack of transparency,” Shehbaz said while chairing a high-level meeting on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms in Islamabad.
The prime minister directed officials to engage internationally recognised audit firms for third-party validation of reforms underway within the FBR to ensure credibility and external accountability.
Shehbaz also reviewed the performance of the Faceless Customs Assessment System, a key initiative launched to minimise human interference in customs processes.
He expressed satisfaction, noting that the system had improved revenue collection and significantly reduced clearance times.
He reaffirmed that the government’s reform agenda, bolstered by recent economic indicators, is evidence that the country is moving in the right direction.
Officials at the meeting briefed the prime minister on the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) reforms, and announced that a simplified digital tax return system would soon be introduced, including features in Urdu and other local languages to assist the general public.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, the FBR Chairman, and other senior officials.
Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz had directed the urgent and effective implementation of ongoing reforms within the FBR, placing particular emphasis on the digitisation and automation of the country’s tax system.
In a meeting Shehbaz called for decisive action to rectify what he described as “70 years of mismanagement” in Pakistan’s tax infrastructure. He reiterated that while honest taxpayers and businesses would be fully supported, those involved in evasion would face firm legal consequences without exceptions.
Shehbaz also commended the FBR and its enforcement arms for their recent efforts in improving tax revenue, following the rollout of systems such as the Faceless Customs Assessment System.
