Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a 32-member task force to tackle gaps in revenue collection and enhance tax revenue for the fiscal year 2024-25, as reported on August 28.
As per details, this initiative aims to achieve a target of Rs 12.9 trillion, marking a 41 percent increase over the previous year’s goal. The task force, led by FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial includes 22 officers from the Inland Revenue Service and 10 from Pakistan Customs. The group is tasked with a three-phase approach: identifying weaknesses in the current tax system, developing a timeline for implementing corrective measures, and estimating the additional revenue that these interventions could generate.
The task force has already begun its work and is scheduled to hold its first meeting on August 30. It has been allocated two weeks to deliver a comprehensive report detailing gaps in the tax system, covering income tax, sales tax, federal excise duty, and customs duty. The report will also recommend targeted measures to address these gaps and outline potential revenue gains.
According to an official notification, the task force will focus on key reform areas within tax administration, including procedural and mechanical improvements, human resources, administration, and taxpayer facilitation. Chairman Langrial emphasized that the FBR’s strategy will rely on practical, locally-informed solutions tailored to Pakistan’s unique context, rather than imported models from developed countries.
In addition to the task force, the FBR has established a new team dedicated to tax data analytics. This team will analyze income tax and sales tax data to uncover further gaps and opportunities for revenue enhancement.
This proactive approach highlights the FBR’s commitment to strengthening tax collection and achieving its ambitious revenue goals for the coming fiscal year.
