PM Shehbaz orders immediate action to tax 4.5 million non-filers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated immediate action to bring 4.5 million identified non-filers into the tax net.

Chairing a review meeting on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms, he stressed the need for swift implementation of measures to ensure these potential taxpayers are registered and contributing their due share.

During the meeting, officials updated the prime minister on the ongoing reforms and digitisation efforts within the FBR. The implementation of Sharif’s directives is progressing rapidly, with a comprehensive review of the FBR’s existing systems and manpower nearing completion.

Initial steps have already led to the identification and cessation of fraudulent sales tax refund claims by approximately 4,000 companies.

The prime minister underscored the importance of ending discretionary powers of customs appraisers, instructing the FBR chairman to ensure compliance and report back within 24 hours. He highlighted that more than 300,000 new taxpayers have submitted their returns in recent weeks, a testament to the government’s initiatives.

PM Shehbaz also called for strict action against individuals and officials involved in tax evasion, emphasising that those who facilitate such crimes will be punished. Conversely, taxpayers who comply with their obligations will be acknowledged.

To enhance transparency and reduce corruption, the prime minister directed the installation of modern, international-quality scanners at ports. He reiterated that the digitisation of the tax system is a top government priority to prevent billions in tax evasion.

PM Shehbaz also recommended the creation of a dashboard to monitor the progress of digitisation and reforms.