In a bold move to tackle Pakistan’s growing tax evasion problem, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial has issued a firm warning: legal action will follow for those who fail to submit their tax returns. As part of an aggressive campaign to streamline revenue collection, the FBR is zeroing in on high-profile sectors.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Langrial revealed that the FBR had already sent notices to 190,000 individuals, with 38,000 of them stepping forward to file returns, generating Rs370 million in taxes. However, he made it clear that those who continue to dodge their tax responsibilities will face serious repercussions.
“The government is committed to closing the tax gap, which currently stands at a staggering Rs7.1 trillion, with Rs2.4 trillion of that linked to income tax alone,” Langrial stated. He also stressed the importance of digitizing the tax filing system, focusing on the top 5% of taxpayers to ensure more transparency and efficiency.
Langrial pointed to ongoing investigations in the sugar industry, particularly in Punjab, where mills have been caught red-handed using fake invoices to avoid paying their dues. This crackdown marks a clear signal that the FBR is leaving no stone unturned in its fight to plug the country’s tax leakages.
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PRESS UPDATE