ISLAMABAD
\nThe Action to Counter Illicit Trade (ACT) Alliance on Saturday appreciated the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for highlighting Pakistan\u2019s ongoing battle with tax evasion, particularly in the tobacco sector.
\nIn a discussion with civil society and media representatives here, the ACT Alliance lauded Chairman FBR dedication to addressing this pervasive issue, recognizing that his leadership is critical to securing Pakistan\u2019s economic future, said a news release.
\nDuring a recent Senate Standing Committee on Finance meeting, FBR reported that an alarming 70 percent of cigarettes sold in the country evade taxation, amounting to a massive revenue shortfall for the national exchequer.
\nWith only 30 percent of cigarettes on the market being tax-paid, Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial, announced a significant crackdown on smuggling and illegal cigarette sales to begin in January, with the recruitment of additional enforcement personnel.
\nAccording to FBR\u2019s projections, tackling these illicit sales could generate Rs. 200-250 billion in additional revenue annually, from Rs. 300 billion to over Rs. 500 billion, or nearly $2 billion.
\nThis projected increase in revenue is crucial for funding essential public services and driving economic growth.
\nThe FBR\u2019s ambitious transformation plan includes implementing a 100 percent Track and Trace System (TTS) in the sugar industry by the start of the upcoming crushing season.
\nAdditionally, FBR has made significant strides in the cement sector, meeting with industry leaders to ensure that TTS is operational across all production lines in the coming weeks.
\nExpanding TTS in these industries will enable precise tracking of production and sales, helping prevent further tax evasion and securing essential revenue for Pakistan.
\nTo support this initiative, the government plans to grant provincial authorities, including local police, the power to enforce measures against illegal cigarette sales.
\nThe Alliance called for substantial regulatory amendments to formalize the expanded enforcement network and create a collaborative framework to uphold tax laws across Pakistan.
\nThe ACT Alliance urged the government to accelerate this process and broaden enforcement to other sectors plagued by tax evasion, such as petroleum, real estate, and retail.
\nACT Alliance said collaboration across government agencies, provincial authorities, and law enforcement is essential to achieving Pakistan\u2019s economic goals.
\nThe annual loss of revenue from the illegal cigarette trade alone is a burden Pakistan can no longer afford.
\nACT Alliance National Convenor Mubahsir Akram said \u201cWe call on all stakeholders to support FBR\u2019s efforts, reinforcing measures that strengthen tax compliance and encourage economic integrity,\u201d.
\nHe added these critical steps will position Pakistan for a more prosperous future, ensuring fair contributions to the national economy from all sectors.
\nACT Alliance reiterated its support for FBR\u2019s efforts. It encouraged all relevant authorities to take a unified approach against illicit trade, contributing to Pakistan\u2019s healthier and more resilient economic landscape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD The Action to Counter Illicit Trade (ACT) Alliance on Saturday appreciated the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for highlighting Pakistan\u2019s ongoing battle with tax evasion, particularly in the tobacco sector. In a discussion with civil society and media representatives here, the ACT Alliance lauded Chairman FBR dedication to addressing this pervasive issue, recognizing that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":439600,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-439699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n