On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to leverage modern technology to enhance tax and revenue collection processes.

During a review meeting on FBR reforms, the prime minister emphasized the importance of building the capacity of FBR officers and utilizing technology effectively, as reported by the PM Office.

He called for a strategy to restructure Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) and urged improvements in systems aimed at reducing smuggling.

The prime minister also directed the FBR to create a more taxpayer-friendly environment and tasked the officers with completing the reform process.

Previously, the FBR had dissolved the Customs Intelligence department due to its poor performance and alleged involvement in smuggling activities.

The FBR has since restructured the Customs Intelligence and Investigation division, restricting its functions to monitoring only. Customs Intelligence officers have lost the authority to halt or release consignments.

Following the prime minister’s directives, the FBR Chairman has issued a notification detailing the reforms and the new organizational structure.