- The PM emphasizes the use of video analytics to improve revenue collection.
- Leads its rapid implementation in cement and tobacco industries.
- Premier calls for early completion of digitalization of FBR value chain.
LAHORE: As the federal government continues its efforts to widen the tax net and increase revenue generation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered authorities to take stern action against tax defaulters, News reported Sunday.
“Improving the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through technology is the top priority of the government,” the Prime Minister said as he chaired a crucial review meeting on strategies to improve collection yesterday. recipes.
Briefed by officials on the installation and monitoring of video analytics in the sugar industry, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted that the use of video analytics in the sugar industry would significantly improve revenue collection, eliminate hoarding and would help stabilize prices.
“Our greatest effort is to ensure availability of sugar at affordable prices to the public,” the Prime Minister emphasized while ordering regular monitoring of sugar stocks to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain.
During the meeting, which was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik and senior government officials , the Prime Minister ordered strict and indiscriminate action against tax evasion and in the context of -declarations of sugar mills.
Highlighting that the ongoing measures for digitalization of the FBR would bring billions of rupees to the national exchequer, the Prime Minister ordered early completion of digitalization of the value chain of the tax administration and called for implementation rapid video analysis in the cement and tobacco industries.
The development comes days after the FBR launched its Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system as part of its tax sector reform efforts.
The FCA, a key part of the FBR transformation plan approved by the Prime Minister, requires declarations of imported goods lodged after midnight on December 14 with valuation collectors in Karachi to be assessed by the Central Valuation Unit ( CAU).
Additionally, an incentive-based performance management mechanism was introduced to improve productivity and ensure accountability of Customs Assessing Officers stationed in the CAU.
This mechanism would reward assessing officers who carry out their duties with diligence and integrity.
Furthermore, the eligibility criteria and licensing regime for customs brokers have also been revamped and a point-based rating system is being introduced to hold them accountable for correct and quality declarations.
Under the point rating system, customs brokers who provide true and honest declarations regarding description, value and origin, etc., will get more points and their profile will improve.
Conversely, civil servants who do not demonstrate improvements in their declarations would lose points which could potentially lead to the cancellation of their license.