Islamabad: Caretaker Pakistan Government has given the green light to a comprehensive overhaul and digitisation initiative for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), as reported by a news source on January 31.
According to the details, the cabinet convened to endorse the restructuring and digitisation proposal for the FBR as suggested by the Revenue Division under the stewardship of Prime Minister (PM) Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.
This decision stems from a previous cabinet session held on January 23, 2024, where an inter-ministerial committee, under the finance minister’s leadership, was constituted. The committee submitted its recommendations, which were thoroughly deliberated upon during today’s cabinet meeting. Following adjustments to the proposal as per the discussions, it received formal approval.
As part of these reforms, a Federal Tax Policy Board (FTPB) will be established within the Revenue Division, tasked with crafting tax policies, setting revenue targets, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The FTPB will operate under the leadership of the federal finance minister.
Furthermore, the restructuring will entail the segregation of Customs and Inland Revenue departments, each to be helmed by separate Director Generals (DGs). These officials will wield full authority over administrative, financial, and operational aspects within their respective domains, with a commitment to implementing international best practices, including digitization, grievance redressal, and transparency.
Oversight boards will also be established for Customs and Inland Revenue, comprising federal secretaries of finance, revenue, commerce, NADRA chairman, and experts from relevant fields, with the finance minister serving as the chair.
To ensure transparency and integrity, the caretaker prime minister emphasized the necessity of avoiding conflicts of interest in appointing private sector experts to these boards. Additionally, he directed that all requisite legislative drafts pertaining to the reforms, in accordance with the recommendations of the Cabinet Committee, be presented for approval in the forthcoming elected Parliament session.
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