PM Shehbaz directs FBR to ensure third-party audit of ongoing tax reforms

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the Federal Board of Revenue to arrange an independent review of its ongoing tax reforms, according to Dawn. Speaking at a Friday meeting on the reform agenda, he said the changes were meant to build national development. He stressed that the process must be open, effective and durable.

Officials told the session that digital systems, production monitoring and automated processes are the main foundations of the overhaul. A Prime Minister's Office statement added that he wants reforms carried out on schedule and enforcement stepped up against tax evasion, smuggling and unlawful businesses. He also wants the tax system modernised, revenue collection raised and smuggling eliminated altogether.

The briefing covered the restructuring of PRAL, digital upgrades and steps to curb smuggling. Work on IRIS 3.0 is advancing in stages, alongside a new operating model and a central data platform, with overseas consultants retained to design the system. A pilot of automatic taxation and future use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to lift collections were also outlined.