LAHORE: Finance Mi­­nister Muhammad Auran­gzeb said on Saturday that the government is taking vigorous steps to stren­gthen the country’s financial system through fundamental reforms in the tax system, increasing the efficiency of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), promoting a cashless economy and using modern technology.

“The government aims to create convenience for the public, restore the confidence of taxpayers and establish a transparent sy­­stem that can become the basis for Pakistan’s sustai­nable economic de­­velo­pm­ent,” he said while addre­ssing the certificate distribution ceremony of the FBR’s Postgraduate Dip­l­oma Programme at LUMS.

The finance minister said the government is working in a coordinated manner to improve tax policy and tax administration, adding that a new model is being introduced in the FBR, which will significantly improve the transparency and efficiency of the institution.

He said the prime minister is especially focusing on FBR reforms and promotion of cashless economy so that the economy can be documented, the tax net can be expanded and financial transparency can be promoted.

Aurangzeb says digital systems to strengthen tax administration, transparency

Mr Aurangzeb said the government has detected major cases of sales tax evasion, which has resulted in increased tax collections and benefited the national exchequer.

He said that modern digital systems and integrated data are the basis of effective tax administration. He stressed that FBR officers would have to take full advantage of modern technology, especially artificial intelligence, because today is the era of AI. He said that keeping oneself constan­tly updated with changing technology is the need of the hour so that the performance of the institution can be made in line with world standards.

The finance minister said that FBR officers have a major responsibility to protect the trust of the country’s taxpayers and national resources as the government wanted the public confidence in the FBR to be restored; the industry and market environment to improve and the fruits of reforms to reach the common citizen.

Addressing the ceremo­­ny, FBR Chairman Muha­mmad Rashid Langrial said that enhancing the professional skills of FBR officers and training them in line with modern requirements are essential for establishing an effective tax system. He said the tax system in the country is being made more effective, modern and transparent.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2026