Shehbaz Sharif Orders Faster FBR Reforms, Strong Action Against Tax Evasion
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered faster FBR reforms and stronger action against smuggling and tax evasion. He issued the directives while reviewing progress on the Federal Board of Revenue’s reform programme on Monday.
PM pushes stronger FBR enforcement
The prime minister welcomed growing business confidence in the tax system. However, he told the FBR to accelerate enforcement and meet its revenue target.
Shehbaz also directed the FBR chairman and senior officers to spend two days each month in Lahore. They must also continue their monthly stay in Karachi.
The prime minister praised recent operations against illegal cigarette factories in Chakwal and Swabi. He also ordered the appointment of honest and capable officers to sensitive FBR positions.
In addition, Shehbaz directed officials to complete the Faceless Inland Revenue System on time. He called for its full rollout by 2027.
Faceless tax system to launch in October
Officials told the meeting that the first phase will begin on October 1, 2026. The AI-based system forms a key part of the FBR’s wider digital reforms.
The system will include a National Faceless Audit Wing and a Faceless Assessment Unit. It will handle tax return audits and assessments through a digital process.
Furthermore, authorities will assign tax cases randomly. The system will ignore geographical boundaries when selecting jurisdiction.
The FBR chairman also briefed Shehbaz about his Karachi meetings. He said he met representatives from seven major trade organizations.
According to the briefing, officials resolved several business concerns during the visit. Meanwhile, the FBR will issue time-bound procedures for exporter tax refunds.
Officials also reported an intelligence-based operation in Chakwal. Authorities sealed an illegal cigarette factory and seized machinery and cigarette stocks.
A similar operation targeted a factory in Swabi. The meeting was told that authorities also seized illegal cigarette stocks and equipment.
The measures aim to strengthen tax enforcement and improve revenue collection. They also seek to make tax administration faster, fairer and more transparent.
