Islamabad (GNP): Federal Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has praised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for hitting its revised annual revenue target for the fiscal year 2025-26, calling it a historic accomplishment driven by collective effort, consistent reforms, and the dedication of FBR’s leadership and field teams alike.
Speaking at a gathering held at FBR Headquarters — with Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Board Members, senior officials, and Chief Commissioners and Chief Collectors joining via video link from across the country — the Finance Minister conveyed the Prime Minister’s personal congratulations to the entire FBR team for their hard work throughout the year.
Aurangzeb framed the achievement within Pakistan’s larger economic reform story spanning the past two and a half years, during which the country’s total revenue collection has nearly doubled. He described this as one of the most notable turnarounds in Pakistan’s fiscal history, crediting strong revenue performance with helping to stabilize the country’s macroeconomic position. He pointed out that alongside better external sector numbers, Pakistan had recorded its lowest fiscal deficit and its highest-ever primary surplus — outcomes made possible by both solid revenue growth and careful fiscal management.
The Minister singled out the Inland Revenue and Customs teams for their strong performance, noting that revenue growth was achieved even while substantial tariff concessions were extended to support economic activity. He also highlighted that FBR processed and paid out Rs. 599 billion in tax refunds over the course of the year — including a record Rs. 13.5 billion disbursed on the final day of the fiscal year alone — describing this as a clear signal of the government’s commitment to supporting businesses and exporters.
Aurangzeb also praised the smooth coordination between the Finance Division and FBR during the preparation of the Federal Budget 2025-26, saying the tight integration of tax policy with tax administration made for one of the most forward-thinking budgets in the country’s recent history and was a strong example of institutional teamwork.
Looking ahead, the Finance Minister stressed that modern tax administration must balance revenue collection with equally strong efforts on taxpayer support, transparency, and building public confidence. He called for making compliance simpler through greater use of technology, automation, and improved services, while reducing the scope for discretion and corruption within the system.
He also outlined the government’s newly approved operational model for FBR, which is designed to speed up institutional reform across people, processes, and technology — including broader use of artificial intelligence and digital tools. He thanked Parliament for putting in place the legislative groundwork needed to push these changes forward, and reiterated the government’s determination to develop FBR into one of Pakistan’s top public institutions. He also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s direct involvement and leadership in guiding the country’s tax reform agenda.
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, in his address, thanked the Finance Minister for visiting FBR Headquarters on the very first day of the new fiscal year and for the consistent support extended to the institution. He recognized the productive working relationship between the Finance Division and FBR throughout the budget cycle, particularly during consultations with the IMF, provincial governments, coalition partners, parliamentary committees, and other key stakeholders.
Langrial commended the technical expertise and team spirit shown by officers from both bodies, saying their collaborative approach had allowed the government to work through complex fiscal and tax policy questions effectively. He noted that the reform experience had showcased what Pakistan’s civil service is capable of achieving when aligned around shared national goals.
The Chairman also spoke about FBR’s internal reform priorities, particularly efforts to build a culture of merit, professionalism, and integrity. He said the recent placement of high-integrity officers in critical field roles had shown that strong revenue performance and strong ethical standards are not mutually exclusive.
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Langrial also updated attendees on a range of ongoing modernization efforts at FBR, covering significant technology upgrades, improved customs systems, AI-based tools, and large-scale staff training programs. He expressed the Board’s firm commitment to carrying out the government’s reform vision and said he was confident these steps would lead to better taxpayer services, stronger compliance, and a more modern tax administration overall.
The Finance Minister closed the meeting by once again recognizing FBR’s outstanding performance and expressing his belief that sustained teamwork and effective reform implementation would ensure the institution continues contributing meaningfully to Pakistan’s economic stability and long-term growth. He invited all those present to give a standing ovation in recognition of Chairman Langrial and the broader FBR team’s collective efforts.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
