Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has commended the Federal Board of Revenue for collecting a record 5.9 million tax returns in the current year. In a statement today, the Prime Minister thanked the public for showing responsibility in filing tax returns.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister highlighted that the inclusion of 900,000 new filers into the tax net reflects the public’s trust in the government’s policies, for which the government is grateful. He noted that reforms in the taxation system are generating positive results.

Detailing various government measures, he stated that tax returns have been simplified. Merit is prioritized within the Federal Board of Revenue, and a performance-driven culture has been introduced by encouraging capable and hardworking officers while discouraging poor performance.

The Prime Minister mentioned his personal supervision of the digitization of the FBR, having chaired weekly meetings. He emphasized that the automated clearance system at ports has helped reduce corruption and improve performance.

He also noted that sales tax evasion has been curtailed by increasing the number of sale points to combat the informal economy. The Prime Minister pointed out that an increase in tax revenue by 9 billion rupees compared to last year indicates effective FBR reforms.

He assured that further reforms in the FBR system are underway as the government works diligently to eradicate corruption and the informal economy.