Tax evaders will face strict action as part of the government’s efforts to boost revenue collection

• PM emphasizes using video analytics to improve revenue collection.
• It directs its rapid application in cement factories and tobacco factories.
• Premier calls for speedy completion of digitization of FBR’s value chain.

LAHORE: As the federal government continues efforts to expand the tax net and increase revenue generation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the authorities to take strict action against tax defaulters, The News reported on Sunday.

“Improving the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through technology is the top priority of the government,” the prime minister said while chairing a crucial review meeting on strategies to boost revenue collection a day earlier.

Briefed by officials about the installation and monitoring of video analytics in the sugar industry, Chief Minister Shehbaz emphasized that the use of video analytics in the sugar industry will significantly improve revenue collection, eliminate hoarding and help stabilize prices.

“Our utmost effort is to ensure availability of sugar at affordable prices to the public,” the chief minister observed while ordering regular monitoring of sugar stocks to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain.

During the meeting — which was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Finance Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and senior government officials — the prime minister demanded strict and indiscriminate action against tax evasion and reports from sugar mills.

Highlighting that the ongoing measures to digitize the FBR will bring billions of rupees in benefits to the national exchequer, the Prime Minister directed for speedy completion of digitization of the tax authority’s value chain and called for speedy implementation of video analytics in the cement and tobacco industries.

The development comes days after the FBR launched the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) System as part of its efforts to reform the tax sector.

The FCA, a key component of the FBR Transformation Plan approved by the prime minister, stipulates that declarations of import goods submitted after midnight on December 14 at Karachi’s Appraisement Collectorates will be assessed by the Central Assessment Unit (CAU).

In addition, an incentive-based performance management mechanism was introduced to improve productivity and ensure accountability of customs officials posted at CAU.

This mechanism will reward assessors who carry out their duties with diligence and integrity.

In addition, the eligibility criteria and licensing status of Customs Brokers have also been revamped and a grading system is being introduced to hold them accountable for correct and quality declarations.

Under the scoring system, customs agents who give true and honest declarations of description, value and origin, etc., will earn more points and their profile will improve.

Conversely, permit officials who do not demonstrate improvements on statements will lose points that could ultimately lead to the revocation of their permit.