ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance said on Saturday that restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was on the government’s agenda to improve its governance, efficiency and effectiveness.

An official announcement of the finance ministry said that certain proposals have been prepared in line with international best practices to rationalise and streamline the functions of the FBR, strengthen the policy board, and overall governance, integrity and performance of the revenue agency based on a creative oversight structure that would enhance its accountability to the state and clients.

The creation of specialised administrative structures will be accompanied by better delegation and accountability of administration.

An institutional mechanism is being considered to establish a Tax Policy Group with the right expertise and analytical capability to facilitate the rationalisation of tax regime emphasising fairness and equity.

These proposals have been prepared by the government after months of deliberation and consultation with experts, academics, and senior leadership of FBR and its members.

However, these proposals do not include any item relating to the downsising of the workforce or any outside interference in the administrative matters of Customs or Inland Revenue Service by any other agency or ministry. On Jan 3, the Special Investment Facilitation Council approved FBR’s updated plan and authorised the Inter-Ministerial Committee to investigate legal problems.

On Jan 8, the committee will issue its recommendation on the proposed revisions.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2024