PM Approves Modern Digital Ecosystem for FBR

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the go-ahead for the development of a cutting-edge, globally competitive digital framework for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He has also instructed officials to enlist top-tier international experts for this project.

This decision was made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Saturday to assess the advancement of FBR reforms, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

During the meeting, officials provided updates on integrating FBR’s data into a unified system and establishing a modern digital environment to enable real-time oversight of the entire value chain.

PM Shehbaz Commends FBR Reforms

The prime minister lauded the FBR reforms, noting the increase in tax filers to 7.2 million, and stated that the economy is heading in a favorable direction because of the continuing reforms within the FBR.

The PM emphasized, “It’s more than just digitization; a comprehensive digital ecosystem must be created to underpin the new system.”

He further directed that all data, encompassing raw material production, imports, manufacturing, and consumer purchases, should be incorporated into a single, highly efficient system. This system should facilitate direct digital monitoring of the complete value chain.

PM Shehbaz emphasized that the consolidated data gathered through this system should inform strategic economic decision-making.

During the session, the Prime Minister stressed that broadening the tax base and formalizing the economy are essential to achieving the government’s objective of alleviating the tax burden on ordinary citizens.

The meeting saw the attendance of several Federal Ministers, including Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahsan Iqbal, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Chairman of the FBR, Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, various economic specialists, and other high-ranking officials.