World Bank Vice President Praises FBR’s Digitalization Initiatives

Islamabad, During a significant visit to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) headquarters today, World Bank Vice President Mr. Martin Raiser, accompanied by a delegation of senior World Bank officials, met with FBR Chairman Mr. Amjed Zubair Tiwana to discuss ongoing reforms and digitalization efforts within Pakistan’s tax administration.

According to Federal Board of Revenue, the meeting highlighted the FBR’s current initiatives under the Pakistan Raises Revenue Project, which focuses on the harmonization of sales tax, implementation of a Track and Trace System, and enhancement of ICT capacities. Mr. Raiser commended the FBR’s approach towards a digitalized tax administration and suggested that the benefits of these reforms would be maximized through the gradual elimination of tax exemptions, combined with enhanced social assistance and a consumption-based sales tax system.

Chairman Tiwana outlined the FBR’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders on these digital initiatives, aiming to broaden tax administration and improve revenue sustainability. The discussion also touched on how digitalization is crucial not just for enhancing revenue but for enabling the FBR to make data-driven policy decisions. The World Bank expressed its support for Pakistan’s digitalization drive, seeing it as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its partnership with the FBR.