Pakistan’s Tax Collections Have Nearly Doubled Over the Past Two and a Half Years, Says Finance Minister
ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that Pakistan’s tax collections have nearly doubled over the past two and a half years, describing the achievement as a major milestone in the country’s fiscal reforms.
Addressing a meeting with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) leadership and field formations, the finance minister congratulated the tax authority on achieving its revenue target for the 2025–26 fiscal year. He said the FBR had surpassed its target of Rs12.83 trillion, collecting more than Rs13 trillion in tax revenue.
Aurangzeb said that such a revenue target had never been achieved within such a short period in the country’s history. He added that Pakistan successfully concluded the fiscal year while keeping the budget deficit at its lowest level, calling the accomplishment the result of teamwork, continuous reforms, and the dedicated efforts of FBR officials.
The finance minister noted that improved revenue performance had helped reduce the fiscal deficit and further strengthen the country’s economic foundations. He also said the FBR issued Rs599 billion in tax refunds during the fiscal year, including a record Rs13.5 billion in refunds on the final day of the fiscal year.
Aurangzeb added that taxpayer facilitation, transparency, and public trust remain top priorities under the modern tax system. He said the FBR is being transformed into a more efficient and modern institution through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
