ایف بی آر کی پریس ریلیز

New administrative measures not to hit careers, FBR chief tells officers

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Ahmad Waqar has vowed to move ahead with the reforms process under way in the FBR but has assuaged any apprehensions resulting out of the ongoing integration of various functions to modernize the tax administration.

"I can't take sides but I would definitely take sides with the reform process which is the key to improving revenue generation and modernizing FBR to prepare it for future challenges," he said while addressing officers of the Customs & Excise Group at Karachi.

Mr. Waqar told the officers that he understood their concerns with regard to the new administrative arrangement that had been put in place in FBR but their concerns were largely based on mere apprehensions. "The introduction of new administrative changes is an operational-cum- management step which would not jeopardize the promotion prospects, allocation of seats and career paths or discriminate officers of one group in favour of the other," he added.

However, he said the Board was committed to implementing the reforms agenda and the integration was a consistent theme that had been recommended over the years by various agencies/international bodies. The essential objective was to create a fully integrated tax administration of sales tax, excise and income tax mechanism for improving tax facilitation, removing distortions, preventing revenue leakage, broadening and widening of tax net and enhancing tax to GDP ratio.

The chairman said the setting up of Inland Revenue mechanism was just the start of a process that reflected a futuristic approach and would be completed over a period of time and inputs from all the stakeholders would be obtained for attaining the goals and achieving the objects in an effective manner.

He urged officers and staff of the FBR to stand fully behind the reforms and dedicate their energies to meet the revenue collection targets. "Put in your best and the system is ready to support you," he concluded.