ISLAMABAD, Sept 20: Central Board of Revenue Chairman M. Abdullah Yousuf claimed on Tuesday that over 60,000 appeals were liquidated during the fiscal year 2004-05.

The CBR chairman stated this while briefing the 14-member World Bank delegation visiting Pakistan to review the progress of ongoing Tax Administration Reforms Project (TARP). The World Bank team was led by senior financial sector specialist Mudassir Khan.

An official announcement said that Mr Yousuf briefed the World Bank team about last year’s performance in collection of revenues and various tax policy initiatives, including tariff reforms, advance income tax system and elimination of hurdles in the way of collection.

The CBR chief gave an overview of the progress on modernization of the taxation system, both with reference to internal taxes — sales tax, excise and income taxes — and customs.

He informed the delegation about the present status of Customs Administration Reforms Project (CARE) and the experience gained from this pilot project. He also briefed the team about the establishment of large taxpayers’ units and medium taxpayers’ units at various places.