Islamabad:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed on Tuesday the immediate and effective implementation of the current reforms at the Federal Income Board (FBR), with a strong emphasis on digitalization and automation of the fiscal system.
While presiding over a high -level review meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister emphasized the need for decisive measures to correct what he described as “70 years of poor management” in the fiscal system.
He assured that the maximum facilitation would extend to honest taxpayers and businesses, while those involved in tax evasion would face strict legal actions without any concession.
The Prime Minister also recognized the efforts of the FBR and his application agencies to improve tax revenues, describing his work as commendable.
The meeting reviewed the introduction of a national orientation system aimed at curbing the evasion of sales tax. This system will use electronic labels and digital devices to track vehicles that transport goods and will be backed by an e-bille mechanism issued through the FBR system. Digital monitoring systems will be installed on the main highways and entrance points of the city to reduce smuggling and save time for travelers.
The meeting was reported that a customs orientation system was also being introduced into ports and airports to automate import monitoring and exports. The system will use artificial intelligence and integrate with the national and international databases to combat smuggling and tax fraud.
The officials also reported the meeting on the plans to train FBR staff in the new systems and described a gradual deployment that began with a pilot project in an important city. The sectors such as cement, hatcheries, poultry feeding, tobacco and drinks will have a stricter surveillance of sales tax.
He added that the monitoring mechanisms similar to those used in the sugar industry extended to tobacco, drinking, steel and cement sectors.
The Premier directed that all measures are rapidly, effectively and sustainably implemented.
