Prime Minister directs FBR to engage private sector in tracing tax evaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to harness its workforce and collaborate with the private sector to identify individuals and companies involved in tax evasion.

Chairing a meeting to review ongoing reforms in the FBR, the prime minister emphasized the need to create a business-friendly environment and extend all necessary facilities to taxpayers. He acknowledged regular taxpayers as the backbone of the national economy and instructed FBR to swiftly complete the Income Tax and Sales Taxpayers' Directory in recognition of their contributions.

PM Sharif stressed that honoring taxpayers, while simultaneously cracking down on tax evaders, would help broaden the tax base. He also called for the hiring of professional services to detect tax evasion and ensure the recovery of revenue, along with launching a public awareness campaign to highlight the government’s efforts against tax evasion.

The prime minister further highlighted the need for engaging international auditors for third-party audits of mis-declaration and under-invoicing in customs clearance, urging continuous reviews to identify flaws and improve system efficiency.

Officials briefed the meeting that progress on the Taxpayers’ Directory was moving swiftly and that a scientific auditing system had been set up for third-party audits in customs. “Super auditors” have been appointed to assess customs clearance and risk management systems thoroughly.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervez Malik, and senior officials from relevant institutions.