Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to visit Karachi monthly.
- The directive aims to resolve tax-related issues promptly and encourage compliance among businesses.
- FBR has installed production monitoring systems in various industries, increasing tax revenue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed senior Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials to make monthly visits to Karachi to strengthen engagement with the business community and ensure prompt resolution of tax-related issues. This directive was issued during a review meeting on FBR reforms, where PM Sharif emphasized the importance of direct contact between the government and businesses.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz stated, 'Senior officers of FBR should visit Karachi in the first week of every month so that there is direct contact with the business community and their issues are resolved without delay.' He added, 'Companies complying with tax laws should be encouraged at the official level and their services acknowledged.'
Terming the business community as the ‘backbone of the country’s economy,’ PM Shehbaz directed authorities to provide all possible facilities to promote higher production and exports. He said, 'The government aims to create ease of doing business, promote investment and exports, and make the tax system more transparent and simple so that the confidence of the business community increases.'
During the meeting, participants were informed about the FBR’s performance and ongoing reforms. The installation of production monitoring systems in various industries was highlighted as a significant step towards improving tax collection. According to officials, these systems have enabled the FBR to collect an additional Rs42 billion in taxes from the sugar industry and Rs38 billion from the cement industry over the past year.
The beverages industry also contributed an additional Rs15 billion in tax revenue through the monitoring system. The meeting was attended by several federal ministers, including Azam Nazir Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shiza Fatima, and Bilal Azhar Kayani.
The prime minister also stated that Pakistan’s economy is on the path to stability. He added, 'The current year will be marked by economic growth and increased business activity.'
The review meeting was comprehensive, covering various aspects of FBR reforms and their implementation. The government's efforts to improve tax collection and support businesses are seen as crucial steps towards stabilizing the economy.
'Senior officers of FBR should visit Karachi in the first week of every month so that there is direct contact with the business community and their issues are resolved without delay.'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
'The government aims to create ease of doing business, promote investment and exports, and make the tax system more transparent and simple so that the confidence of the business community increases.'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
