PM directs FBR to trace tax evaders

September 09, 2025 (MLN): The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to utilise its workforce and engage the private sector to trace tax-evading individuals and companies.

Chairing a meeting on Tuesday to review reforms in the FBR, the prime minister stressed the importance of providing a business-friendly environment and extending all possible facilities to taxpayers.

He described regular taxpayers as the backbone of the national economy and instructed the FBR to swiftly complete the Income Tax and Sales Taxpayers’ Directory to honor them.

Shehbaz Sharif said honoring taxpayers while taking strict measures against tax evaders would help expand the tax net, according to the press release issued today.

He directed the hiring of professional services to detect tax evasion and ensure revenue recovery, alongside the launch of a public awareness campaign on government actions against tax evasion.

The prime minister also emphasized engaging top international auditors for third-party reviews of mis-declaration and under-invoicing in customs clearance, stressing that such reviews should continue to identify flaws in the system and improve efficiency.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that work on completing the Taxpayers’ Directory was progressing rapidly and that a scientific auditing system had been developed for third-party reviews in customs clearance.

It was further shared that “super auditors” had been appointed to thoroughly examine customs clearance processes and the risk management system, with the aim of using its output to strengthen the system.

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 of relevant institutions.

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