FBR to brief PM Shehbaz on faceless tax system, digital monitoring

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is set to update Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday on its faceless tax system and digital monitoring measures, according to Business Recorder. The reforms target a tax gap of about Rs1 trillion spread across 18 sectors. The FBR headquarters stayed open on Sunday to finish a presentation covering its transformation plan, AI-based return analysis, digital integration and a proposed restructuring.

Digital monitoring is fully installed in five sectors: fertiliser, cement, sugar, tobacco and tiles. Installation is under way in textiles, packaged water, juice and milk, while steel, poultry and tyre equipment was bought by October 15. Purchases for oil and ghee, tea, leather, paper and board, and household electronics are due by October 30. According to sources, the government targets end-December for finishing sales and output monitoring across big industries, aiming to shrink the gap between real and possible tax take.

A high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister will also look at transparency and integrity issues in field units. The FBR will additionally present its digital ecosystem initiative, which links activity from raw materials and imports through manufacturing to consumer purchases. A directive from the Prime Minister's Office asks the board for proposals on human resources, institutional restructuring and administration improvements.