Senate briefed on tax reforms, enforcement drive, FBR challenges

ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): Lawmakers in the Senate were told on Friday that the government’s revenue policy centered on expanding the tax base so the burden was shared more widely.
Responding to a question from Senator Kamran Murtaza, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani acknowledged that the salaried class contributed a substantial share to Pakistan’s national tax collection. He however emphasized, that the government’s broader objective was to widen the tax base by bringing additional sectors into the tax net, ensuring a more equitable distribution of the tax burden and strengthening overall revenue generation.
He said that effective enforcement and improved documentation last year resulted in higher revenue collection, which strengthened the government’s efforts to widen the tax base.
Responding to Senator Fawzia Arshad, the minister said the government aims to create an enabling environment for taxpayers so they can interact with FBR more easily and with greater confidence.
He said that if any specific enterprise is facing double taxation, the details may be provided and the matter will be corrected immediately.
Senator Palwasha Khan raised concern that her late father, despite having passed away six months ago and despite submission of his death certificate, continued to receive FBR messages directing him to file tax returns.
The minister expressed condolences and said, “Madam, may Allah bless your late father. These issues sometimes arise because we are shifting to AI-based systems. Your feedback is important, and we will get this corrected immediately.”