Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities that the implementation of reform measures in the tax system should be fully completed within a specified timeframe.
A weekly review meeting on the reforms of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), chaired by the PM, was held today in Islamabad, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing reforms in the FBR, particularly the restructuring of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), the digitalisation of the tax system, and the measures taken to curb smuggling.
“The briefing informed that phased work is underway on IRIS 3.0, the new tax operating model, and the central data hub to modernise, integrate, and make the tax system data-driven. International consultants have been engaged for the design of IRIS 3.0.”
The briefing stated that new senior leadership appointments have been made in PRAL in various sectors, including technology, data security, operations, and the tax domain, added the press release.
It was informed that work was rapidly progressing on the plan to further enhance the tax system’s effectiveness under IRIS 3.0, pilot the concept of auto tax, and utilise artificial intelligence and machine learning in the future to improve tax collection.
During the meeting, the PM said that third-party audits of the reforms should be ensured.
“Digitalisation, production monitoring, and automated systems are key pillars of the FBR reforms.
The PM also directed that effective action against tax evasion, smuggling, and illegal businesses be further intensified.
He also instructed that the implementation of reforms be implemented to modernise and make the tax system effective, increase revenue collection, and completely eradicate smuggling.
