Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that broadening of the tax net is the foremost priority of the government as it seeks to reduce the tax burden on the common man by decreasing the tax ratio. He expressed these views while presiding over a review meeting on increasing the tax net and tax collection of the Federal Board of Revenue in Islamabad on Tuesday.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the government’s economic team for rapidly heading toward achieving FBR’s revenue targets during the current financial year. He directed that individuals and sectors capable of paying taxes must be brought into the tax net.

Shehbaz Sharif also ordered the relevant authorities to take strict action against individuals and sectors involved in tax evasion. He emphasized the need for strict accountability of officers and personnel who assist tax evaders and advocated for the use of modern technology to curb tax evasion.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister directed the completion of digital monitoring of the cement and other sectors by the next month. He called for expedited efforts, in collaboration with the provinces, to increase tax revenue from the tobacco sector. He stressed the importance of recovering the nation’s money by effectively pursuing pending tax-related cases.

The Prime Minister stated that the national economy is stable and progressing. He urged for collective efforts toward the country’s development.

During the briefing, participants were informed that the complete implementation of the Track and Trace System at cement plants nationwide led to a significant increase of billions of rupees in tax revenue. Moreover, tax collection increased by thirty-five percent from November 2024 to April 2025 with the system’s implementation in the sugar industry. The meeting was further informed that the tax collection target equivalent to ten point six percent of GDP will be attained through reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue.