Finance Minister praises FBR for achieving FY2025-26 revenue target

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Wednesday visited Federal Board of Revenue Headquarters and commended the Board for successfully achieving the annual revenue collection target for FY2025-26, describing it as a landmark accomplishment made possible through sustained reforms and commitment of the FBR leadership and field formations.

The meeting was attended virtually by Chairman FBR Mr. Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Board Members of the FBR, senior officers, Chief Commissioners and Chief Collectors from across the country. The Finance Minister conveyed the Prime Minister’s congratulations to the entire FBR team for its hard work throughout the fiscal year.

The Finance Minister said the achievement should be viewed in the context of Pakistan’s broader reform journey over the past two and a half years, during which the country’s revenue collection had nearly doubled. He observed that this progress had played a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan’s macroeconomic fundamentals. He noted that alongside improved external sector indicators, Pakistan had recorded its lowest fiscal deficit and highest-ever primary surplus, made possible through strong revenue performance and prudent fiscal management.

The Finance Minister also appreciated the efforts of the Inland Revenue and Customs formations, noting that FBR had delivered strong revenue growth despite providing substantial tariff relief to facilitate economic activity. He also lauded the Board for disbursing Rs. 599 billion in tax refunds during the year, including an unprecedented Rs. 13.5 billion released on the last day of the fiscal year, describing it as a significant milestone reflecting the government’s commitment to facilitating businesses and exporters.

Highlighting the government’s forward-looking reform agenda, the Finance Minister emphasized that modern tax administration must focus not only on revenue collection but equally on taxpayer facilitation, transparency and public trust. He called for simplifying tax compliance through technology-driven solutions, greater automation, improved taxpayer services and reduced opportunities for discretion and corruption.

The Finance Minister said the government’s newly approved operating model for FBR would accelerate institutional transformation through reforms centred on people, processes, and technology, including the expanded use of artificial intelligence and digital systems. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming FBR into one of Pakistan’s leading public institutions.

The Chairman FBR Mr. Rashid Mahmood Langrial thanked the Finance Minister for visiting FBR Headquarters on the first day of the new fiscal year and for his continued support of the institution. He appreciated the close coordination between the Finance Division and FBR throughout the budget process and highlighted the professionalism displayed by officers of both organizations in successfully navigating complex fiscal and tax policy challenges.

The Chairman also underscored institutional reforms aimed at promoting merit, professionalism, and integrity across FBR and briefed the meeting on ongoing modernization initiatives, including technology upgrades, enhanced customs systems, artificial intelligence-based solutions and capacity-building programmes. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to implementing the government’s reform agenda to further improve taxpayer services, strengthen compliance and modernize Pakistan’s tax administration.

The meeting concluded with the Finance Minister once again congratulating the entire FBR team for its outstanding performance and expressing confidence that, through continued teamwork and effective implementation of reforms, the institution would continue to make significant contributions to Pakistan’s economic stability and sustainable growth. He also invited the participants to give a standing round of applause in recognition of Chairman FBR Mr. Rashid Mahmood Langrial and the collective efforts of the entire FBR team.