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PM Orders Deadlines and Third-Party Audit for Fast-Tracked FBR Reforms

Officials say audits plus strict timelines will verify progress, raise revenue, reduce smuggling, modernise tax systems.

Overview

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review on Friday and directed that all Federal Board of Revenue reform measures be completed within set timeframes and be audited by an independent third party.
  • The government is advancing a new operating model called IRIS 3.0 and a Central Data Hub, with international consultants engaged to design the systems and phased work already under way.
  • Authorities have restructured Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited with new senior hires in technology, data security, operations and tax to speed implementation and protect tax data.
  • Enforcement steps using GIS tagging, GPS tracking, ERP integration and the Rah-e-Guzar app have shut 2,500 illegal petrol pumps and are being expanded to curb smuggling and informal trade.
  • Customs and revenue changes show early gains: faceless customs raised average revenue per goods declaration by 12% in Jan–Jun 2026, recruitment of 280 goods evaluators is nearly complete, and a Central Assessment Unit is targeted to start interim operations by Dec. 31, 2026.