PM orders crackdown on tax evasion, under-invoicing

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to aggressively pursue pending tax-related cases to recover national wealth and broaden the tax base, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Chairing a high-level review meeting on revenue generation, the premier emphasized that action must be taken not only against tax evaders but also against government officials who facilitate such practices.

“Expanding the tax net is the government’s top priority. We aim to reduce the tax rate to ease the burden on the common man,” the PMO quoted the prime minister as saying.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Track and Trace system, which has reportedly delivered significant results. Officials informed the PM that full deployment of the system in cement plants has led to billions of rupees in additional tax revenue.

Similarly, tax revenue from the sugar sector increased by 35% between November 2024 and April 2025 following the rollout of the Track and Trace mechanism.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan’s economy is showing signs of stabilization and growth. “Everyone must fulfill their responsibility for the country’s development,” he said, reiterating the need for a culture of tax compliance.