Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed officials to accelerate the implementation of tax reform measures, emphasizing the need for an effective crackdown on tax evasion and smuggling. During a meeting held today, October 31, 2023, the Prime Minister underscored the urgency of these reforms to bolster national revenues.

The government is set to launch a National Targeting System designed to prevent sales tax evasion through direct tracking of freight vehicles using e-tags and digital devices. A digital monitoring system will be installed at major highways and entry points nationwide, enabling better control over smuggling and tax evasion while facilitating economic digitization.

Officials highlighted ongoing efforts, noting that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) personnel and supporting institutions are actively monitoring production in key sectors such as tobacco, beverages, steel, and cement. Trainings for the FBR workforce to operate the new systems are also planned.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated his commitment to aiding taxpaying individuals and businesses, while emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards tax evaders, warning of strict legal consequences. He commended the FBR and law enforcement agencies for their dedication to increasing tax revenue.