Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to expedite reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), emphasizing the need to integrate modern technology into tax and revenue collection processes to enhance efficiency and taxpayer satisfaction. During a high-level meeting on Thursday, the prime minister highlighted the importance of creating a “cordial and friendly” environment within the FBR to serve taxpayers better, urging a streamlined, technology-driven approach for smoother operations.
PM Shehbaz also instructed FBR officials to strategize the restructuring of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) to support these objectives. Recognizing the need for stronger measures, he further called for an enhanced system to curb smuggling and directed that FBR officers be upskilled for optimal performance in this evolving framework.
In tandem with these reforms, the FBR announced a significant update to its Active Taxpayer List (ATL). Moving forward, the ATL will be updated daily, rather than weekly, ensuring prompt inclusion of taxpayers who meet the filing deadlines. According to the FBR, this change, backed by recent amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002, aims to improve transparency and real-time compliance tracking. The updated ATL approach will benefit taxpayers, including those who file after deadlines but pay the prescribed surcharge, as their active status will now reflect promptly.
