Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed senior officials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to visit Karachi during the first week of every month to improve coordination with the business community and ensure the prompt resolution of tax-related issues.
The directive is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen collaboration with businesses, improve tax administration, and create a more investment-friendly environment across Pakistan.
While chairing a meeting on FBR reforms on Wednesday, the prime minister instructed tax officials to maintain regular engagement with traders, industrialists, and corporate stakeholders. He emphasized that business concerns should be addressed on a priority basis to build confidence and enhance economic activity.
The monthly visits to Karachi are expected to provide business leaders with direct access to senior FBR officials, allowing tax-related challenges to be discussed and resolved more efficiently.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also instructed the Federal Board of Revenue to recognize companies that consistently comply with tax laws. The move aims to encourage voluntary tax compliance and promote a culture of transparency and accountability within the business sector.
Officials believe that acknowledging compliant taxpayers can strengthen trust between businesses and tax authorities while supporting efforts to broaden the country’s tax base.
During the meeting, the prime minister described the business community as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, highlighting its vital role in driving industrial growth, creating employment opportunities, and generating export earnings.
He stressed that government institutions must work to facilitate businesses rather than create unnecessary obstacles. According to the prime minister, improved cooperation between the FBR and the private sector is essential for increasing production, attracting investment, and expanding exports.
The government has been pursuing a series of tax reforms aimed at modernizing the revenue collection system, improving transparency, and enhancing the ease of doing business. Strengthening communication between tax authorities and the business community is considered an important component of these reforms.
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest commercial and financial hub, contributes a significant share of the country’s tax revenue and industrial output. Regular interaction between senior FBR officials and Karachi’s business community is expected to help resolve operational issues more quickly while improving confidence in the tax system.
The latest directive reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports sustainable economic growth, encourages investment, and promotes long-term tax compliance across the country.
