Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for swift action to incorporate non-filers with the capacity to pay taxes into the tax system. This directive followed the identification of 4.5 million potential taxpayers.
During a review meeting on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms on Friday, the prime minister was briefed on these potential taxpayers. He emphasized the urgency of bringing them under the tax umbrella without delay.
Prime Minister Sharif requested a comprehensive action plan with clear objectives for the next phase of FBR reforms and digitisation, to be presented at the upcoming meeting. He was informed about the rapid implementation of his directives and the nearing completion of the FBR’s system and workforce review.
Initial steps have led to the identification and interception of approximately 4,000 companies involved in fraudulent and under-invoiced sales tax refunds. The prime minister instructed the immediate cessation of discretionary powers held by customs appraisers and demanded a report on the implementation of these orders within 24 hours.
The meeting noted that over 300,000 new taxpayers have filed returns in recent weeks due to government initiatives. Additionally, fraudulent sales tax refund claims from 4,000 companies have been halted.
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Prime Minister Sharif stressed that individuals engaged in tax evasion, along with any complicit officials, would face strict penalties. Conversely, taxpayers fulfilling their obligations would be duly recognized.
He also highlighted the need for modern, high-quality scanners at ports to eliminate corruption and ensure system transparency. Digitising the tax system, he said, is the government’s top priority to curb extensive tax evasion.
To monitor progress, Prime Minister Sharif called for the immediate creation of a dashboard tracking the digitisation and reform efforts. He expressed his vision of implementing a world-class taxation system in Pakistan and advocated for appointing reputable professionals to formulate tax policy.
