Faisalabad | ReNews Pakistan
Recent reforms introduced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are beginning to reshape taxpayer behaviour, as stricter and more expensive conditions on international travel and property transactions encourage non filers to voluntarily enter the tax net.
Speaking at an awareness seminar hosted by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Secretary Tax Education Muhammad Muti ur Rehman Mumtaz said the government has deliberately avoided direct punitive measures against non filers. Instead, it has implemented policies that make key financial activities such as foreign travel and property dealings significantly more costly and cumbersome for individuals who remain out the documented tax system.
He explained that these measures are part of a broader institutional restructuring of the FBR initiated nearly two years ago. The reform process involved extensive consultations with stakeholders aimed at identifying systemic gaps, improving enforcement, and enhancing transparency. A major component of the reforms includes reducing the discretionary powers of tax officials through digitalisation and automation, thereby minimising human intervention and curbing opportunities for tax evasion.
According to Mumtaz, early results of these reforms are encouraging. Enhanced monitoring in critical sectors, including the sugar industry, has led to a notable increase in sales tax collection. Similar improvements have been observed in textiles, steel, beverages, and cement sectors. The adoption of automated systems has also reduced disputes related to tax assessments, fostering greater trust and efficiency in the system.
He further revealed that approximately 1.7 million new taxpayers have been added to the national tax base as a result of these initiatives. Efforts are ongoing to further document the economy, with the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) now effectively serving as a universal tax identification number. This integration enables authorities to track financial transactions more efficiently and identify potential taxpayers.
Highlighting enforcement mechanisms, Mumtaz noted that the Point of Sale (POS) system has been introduced to ensure that businesses collect taxes directly on behalf of the government. Strict action is being taken against entities that fail to comply. Additionally, authorities have used utility consumption data to identify millions of potential taxpayers, with initial notices already issued to a significant number of them.
Officials emphasised that the long-term objective of these reforms is to reduce tax evasion and eventually eliminate the distinction between filers and non-filers. This will be achieved by promoting voluntary compliance through a combination of policy incentives, technological upgrades, and improved governance.
Representatives of the business community present at the seminar welcomed the reforms but stressed the importance of continued coordination between government institutions and the private sector. They underscored that sustained engagement is essential to strengthening the tax framework and ensuring long term, sustainable economic growth.

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Divisional Development Working Party (DDWP) has approved a series of road construction, rehabilitation, and urban uplift projects across Faisalabad Division aimed at improving infrastructure and public services.
According to official sources, a 3.9-kilometre road connecting Mamon Kanjan/Tandlianwala Road to Ihsan Chowk Imambargah will be constructed at an estimated cost of PKR 130 million.
Urban beautification and development schemes were also cleared for major commercial hubs. Development work in Aminpur Bazaar has been approved at a cost of PKR 370 million, while a similar project in Jhang Bazaar will be executed at a cost of PKR 390 million. These projects include underground electrification, sewerage system improvements, and installation of public benches in market areas.
Officials further stated that plantations and decorative installations will be carried out in Aminpur Bazaar, while a green belt will be developed in Jhang Bazaar as part of the broader revitalization plan.
In the social sector, the DDWP approved the establishment of a District Population Welfare Complex in Chiniot with an allocation of PKR 120 million. The completion of the Kalsoom Nawaz Block at Government Girls Graduate College, GM Abad, was also approved with a cost of PKR 370 million.
Additionally, the committee sanctioned the repair, maintenance, and carpeting of 10 roads under the highways department, involving significant expenditure.
The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Musarrat Jabin and attended by Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad Capt (Retd) Nadeem Nasir and Deputy Commissioner Chiniot Ayesha Rizwan, who briefed participants on the scope and implementation timelines of the approved projects.

Faisalabad: ReNews Pakistan
Divisional Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar on his last day in office inaugurated a centralized “Hello Faisalabad” complaint cell aimed at ensuring prompt resolution of citizens’ civic issues across multiple departments on Wednesday.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Commissioner Office and attended by Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, Chief Officer Municipal Corporation Malik Murtaza, additional commissioners, and other senior officials.
Addressing the ceremony, the outgoing commissioner said the administration had remained committed to providing maximum relief to the public and ensuring timely redressal of grievances.
He said citizens can now lodge complaints via WhatsApp at 0303-9229977 regarding seven major departments, including the Municipal Corporation Faisalabad, Faisalabad Waste Management Company, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Faisalabad, Faisalabad Development Authority, Parks and Horticulture Authority Faisalabad, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Faisalabad, and the Environment Protection Department.
Raja Jahangir Anwar expressed confidence that the complaint cell would serve as an effective one window platform for resolving public issues, improving inter-departmental coordination, and enhancing service delivery.
He added that the initiative would ensure quick and transparent solutions, stressing that responsive governance and public facilitation remain top priorities.