Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take strict and immediate action against individuals and sectors involved in tax evasion. He emphasized that all those capable of paying taxes must be brought within the tax net to ensure a more equitable system.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review efforts to broaden the tax base and boost revenue collection, the prime minister stressed the need for increased accountability—both of tax evaders and of any FBR personnel who facilitate them.
“No leniency should be shown toward those avoiding their tax responsibilities,” said the prime minister, according to a statement issued by the PM Office. “Officers assisting in such practices must also face strict action.”
Shehbaz Sharif also praised the government’s economic team for its progress toward achieving revenue targets for the current fiscal year. He reaffirmed that expanding the tax base is a top priority, as doing so would help lessen the tax burden on ordinary citizens.
During the meeting, the FBR was instructed to complete digital monitoring of the cement and other key sectors by next month. The prime minister also called for accelerated efforts in boosting tax collection from the tobacco industry, in coordination with provincial governments.
Highlighting the importance of tax compliance, the prime minister directed that pending tax cases be actively pursued in courts to ensure the recovery of public funds. “By the grace of Allah, the national economy is stable and moving toward growth,” he added.
Officials briefed the prime minister on the successful impact of the Track and Trace System, which has been implemented at cement plants nationwide. The system has already contributed to a significant increase in tax revenue.
In the sugar industry, where the system was implemented earlier, tax revenue reportedly rose by 35% between November 2024 and April 2025.
According to the briefing, the FBR’s ongoing reforms are expected to help the government reach a tax-to-GDP ratio of 10.6% by the end of the fiscal year.
The prime minister’s directives signal a renewed push toward tax transparency, accountability, and digital enforcement, all aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundation and ensuring fairer distribution of the tax burden.
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