PM lauds record 5.9m tax returns as proof of public trust, reform success

• Premier says merit, automation, and oversight driving FBR’s transformation, crediting digital outreach for record voluntary filing milestone
• Says nearly one million new taxpayers added to national tax network this year
• Says 17.6% surge in returns—from 5m last year to 5.9m by end-October—and an 18.6% rise in tax payments reflect stronger compliance and confidence

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday lauded the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for achieving a record 5.9 million income tax returns and adding nearly a million new taxpayers this year, describing it as a sign of growing public confidence in the system, according to a statement circulated by his office.

The FBR, which is responsible for revenue generation and meeting tax targets, announced a “significant increase” in income tax return filings a day earlier, saying 5.9 million tax returns had been submitted by the end of October compared to five million in the same period last year, a 17.6 percent rise.

Out of these, 3.6 million taxpayers filed returns with tax payments, reflecting an 18.6 percent increase over 2024.

“The addition of 900,000 new tax filers to the network reflects citizens’ confidence in the government’s policies,” the statement quoted the prime minister as saying. “By the grace of God, the reforms in the tax system are yielding positive results.”

Sharif said merit had been prioritized within the FBR, adding that capable officers were being encouraged while poor performers were discouraged under a new performance-based culture.

He maintained that tax procedures had also been simplified, and automation at ports had helped curb corruption and improve efficiency.

“I personally chaired weekly meetings to oversee the FBR’s digital transformation,” he said, adding that efforts to formalize the economy through an expansion in point-of-sale registrations had curbed sales tax evasion.

The prime minister also pointed to a Rs9 billion ($31.8 million) year-on-year increase in tax revenues, calling it “clear proof” of the government’s reform agenda.

In a string of social media posts a day earlier, the FBR said the rise in return filings marked “a new milestone in voluntary compliance and taxpayer awareness.”

It added that individual taxpayers had paid nearly Rs69 billion ($244 million) in income tax this year, up from Rs60 billion ($212 million) in 2024, a 15 percent increase.

The FBR attributed the surge to a nationwide outreach campaign involving robocalls, WhatsApp messages, and targeted reminders encouraging citizens to file on time.

It also reiterated its commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and inclusive tax system.