Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a December 31 deadline for the digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), marking a significant step toward modernising Pakistan’s tax system. The decision was made during a meeting on tax reforms, where the premier urged authorities to take decisive measures to enhance tax collection and prevent evasion.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of leveraging available data to devise an effective strategy for tax reforms. He also directed the implementation of advanced technologies to streamline processes and improve transparency.
During the meeting, officials informed PM Shehbaz that video analytics systems have already been installed in the sugar industry to monitor production in real-time. This technology aims to curb tax evasion by providing accurate production data to authorities.
In addition, a digital invoicing system for businesses is in the final stages of development. A mobile app tailored for small businesses to facilitate digital invoicing is expected to launch by the end of this month.
The meeting also included a briefing on the restructuring of Pakistan Revenue Automation Pvt Limited (PRAL), a subsidiary of the FBR established to introduce modern technologies for efficient tax management. A new board for PRAL has been constituted to oversee this transition and ensure the smooth integration of digital solutions into the FBR’s operations.
The prime minister’s push for digitalisation reflects the government’s commitment to tackling tax evasion, enhancing revenue generation, and fostering economic stability through technological advancements.
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