- The PM calls for permanent tax reform and responsibility.
- Advocates the complete digitization of FBR systems.
- Fends the FBR team for record recovery in 24 hours.
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the federal ministers and senior officials of the recent recovery of the Federal Board of Rété (FBR) of RS34.5 billion taxes while highlighting the need to form a lasting system on a permanent basis and solve decades of problems by working together.
Chairing a meeting on the performance of the FBR on Saturday on his return from Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister praised the efforts coordinated behind the recovery.
He particularly recognized the contributions of the Minister of Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, the Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Minister of Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, the Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar, PM advisor Syed Tauqir Shah Bureau Dg Fawad Asadullah Khan, Fia DG Jan Muhammad and other officers concerned.
The PM stressed that sustainable solutions required a collective resolution and a sustainable institutional approach to governance and tax reform.
Shehbaz said he and the whole nation were grateful to them to have reached 34.5 billion rupees for the national treasury.
The recovery of the amount within 24 hours of the decision was commendable, he said, adding these best results show that if there was hard work and dedication, success was achievable.
He said that it was a historical achievement that was only made possible because of a team that works hard. The recovery of RS34.5 billion was a good start and it was only the start of the trip, he added.
While appreciating the president of the FBR, he declared that a global legal structure should be formed for FBR recovery on a permanent basis. He ordered that a plan be presented to ensure reforms in the office and the implementation of tax laws.
The Prime Minister said that a plan should also be prepared for improving the FBR workforce. The system could be improved with 100%scanning, third-party validation and continuous surveillance, he added.
He said comprehensive measures should be incurred against officers and staff involved in any type of diversion. The encouragement of officers and staff who have performed well should be assured, he continued.
He said, “If we have to change the fate of Pakistan, we must make changes in the system permanently.” We will make every effort to save every penny of the people, “he said.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was informed of pending cases in court concerning taxes and measures taken by the government team for the recovery of money through these cases.
The president of the FBR informed the Prime Minister of Reforms of the Directorate of Office of the Office, a digital algorithm for tax evaluation, the performance of tax agents and global FBR reforms.