Islamabad, January 16,2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for expediting the resolution of tax revenue cases under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to ensure efficient litigation management and enhance revenue collection. Chairing a review meeting, the prime minister directed relevant authorities to engage reputable lawyers to represent the FBR in tax-related cases, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the legal process.
Acknowledging the progress made, the prime minister noted that reforms in the FBR system have begun yielding positive results. He stressed the need for a forensic audit of tax cases to identify any discrepancies or weak grounds. In a firm stance on accountability, the prime minister warned that officers responsible for filing baseless or poorly constructed cases would face strict consequences. Conversely, those who demonstrated honesty and diligence in handling cases would be rewarded with special incentives.
During the meeting, it was revealed that the addition of reputable lawyers to the FBR’s legal panel has significantly improved case resolution. Between July and December 2024, 586 cases were resolved in the High Court and 637 in the Supreme Court. However, a substantial backlog remains, with 33,522 cases involving Rs 4.7 trillion still pending across various courts and tribunals.
To further streamline litigation, the FBR has developed a litigation management dashboard for higher courts, while the Ministry of Law and Justice is finalizing a tax tribunals management system, which is expected to launch soon.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed his commitment to implementing FBR reforms and enhancing tax revenue recovery efforts. The meeting was attended by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, FBR Chairman, and other senior officials.
