Prime Minister Shehbaz commends the Federal Board of Revenue for achieving a record 5.9 million tax returns.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for attaining a record 5.9 million income tax returns and incorporating nearly one million new taxpayers this year, characterising it as an indication of increasing public confidence in the system, as per a statement issued by his office.

The FBR, tasked with revenue generation and tax target achievement, reported a “substantial increase” in income tax return submissions, stating that 5.9 million returns were filed by the end of October, compared to five million during the same timeframe last year, reflecting a 17.6 percent increase.

Among these, 3.6 million taxpayers submitted returns with tax payments, indicating an 18.6 percent increase compared to 2024.

The prime minister stated, “The inclusion of 900,000 new tax filers in the network signifies citizens’ trust in the government’s policies.” The reforms in the tax system are producing favourable outcomes, thanks to divine favour.

Sharif stated that meritocracy has been emphasised within the FBR, noting that competent personnel are being promoted while underperformers are being dissuaded under a new performance-oriented culture.

He asserted that tax procedures had been streamlined, and automation at ports had mitigated corruption and enhanced efficiency.

“I personally presided over weekly meetings to supervise the FBR’s digital transformation,” he stated, noting that initiatives to formalise the economy through an increase in point-of-sale registrations had mitigated sales tax evasion.

The prime minister highlighted a Rs9 billion ($31.8 million) year-on-year rise in tax revenues, deeming it “clear proof” of the government’s reform drive.

In a series of social media posts the previous day, the FBR stated that the increase in return filings represented “a new milestone in voluntary compliance and taxpayer awareness.”

It stated that individual taxpayers contributed approximately Rs69 billion ($244 million) in income tax this year, an increase from Rs60 billion ($212 million) in 2024, representing a 15 percent rise.

The FBR ascribed the increase to a comprehensive outreach initiative, incorporating robocalls, WhatsApp communications, and specific reminders urging residents to submit their filings punctually.

It reaffirmed its dedication to establishing a just, transparent, and inclusive taxation system.