Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that scams amounting to Rs 800 billion in tax refunds were uncovered over the past four months, showing confidence in the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) digitization efforts.
During a meeting on FBR reforms and digitization, PM Shehbaz highlighted the potential for significant revenue increases through further FBR reforms. He emphasized the need to enhance the tax refund system.
The prime minister expressed regret over the “unnecessary” delays in implementing several FBR reform projects.
PM Shehbaz was informed that 83,579 cases worth Rs 3.2 trillion are pending in various courts and tribunals concerning taxes. The current government has taken steps to address these pending tax cases.
It was noted that in the past four months, 63 cases worth Rs 44 billion were resolved by various courts.
Participants learned that 4.9 million individuals who can afford to pay taxes have been identified through advanced technology.
PM Shehbaz directed that these 4.9 million eligible taxpayers be prioritized for inclusion in the tax net without imposing additional burdens on the poor.
The meeting also reported that 150,000 retailers have registered with the Tajir Dost app since April 2024.