ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched a performance management system for Pakistan’s tax authority, urging officials to enhance efficiency and boost revenue collection to help reduce the country’s reliance on external debt, state media reported.
The move is part of broader reforms tied to Pakistan’s $7 billion loan program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which include overhauling the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through greater digitization, institutional accountability and tax base expansion.
The FBR, long criticized for inefficiency and underperformance, plays a central role in Pakistan’s fiscal framework and is under pressure to deliver sustained growth in tax revenues.
“If we want to move away from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), we must work hard to increase our revenues,” Sharif said at the launch event, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
He also described it as a long journey, adding more work was required to plug the loopholes in the system.
The newly launched performance system introduces evaluations of FBR officers based on defined metrics. Sharif said similar models would be introduced across other state institutions to promote a culture of accountability.
During the visit, officials also briefed the prime minister on separate reforms underway at the FBR, including the development of a data-driven decision-making framework. That system will pull information from entities like the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) and banking institutions to track payments and asset acquisitions, as part of efforts to align the tax regime with international standards.
Authorities said over 35 additional companies had been added to the tax net as part of ongoing digitization efforts. Tax return forms have also been simplified, and preparations are underway for the nationwide rollout of a digital invoicing system.
Sharif acknowledged a 27 percent growth in FBR revenue over the past year but said more progress was needed to steer Pakistan out of its debt crisis and ensure fiscal stability.
Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest in the region, limiting the government’s ability to fund public services and increasing dependence on borrowing.
Strengthening the FBR is seen as critical to reducing the budget deficit and restoring investor confidence.
The prime minister also visited FBR’s newly established delivery unit, praising the officers as a “national asset” and expressing hope that the ongoing reforms would lead to a more transparent and effective tax administration.
Pakistan PM launches tax authority’s performance system amid IMF reform push
https://arab.news/yxg3y
Pakistan PM launches tax authority’s performance system amid IMF reform push
- The international lender wants digitization of FBR along with tax base expansion in Pakistan
- The PM was briefed about FBR’s data-driven decision-making to ensure greater efficiency
Pakistani delegation comprising civil, military officers arrives in UAE to bolster dialogue, academic ties
- Delegation members are representatives of National Defense University, Pakistan’s leading military educational institute
- Pakistani delegation will meet UAE officials, think tanks and other institutions during visit, says Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi
ISLAMABAD: A delegation of senior Pakistani military and civil officers has arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance bilateral dialogue, academic cooperation and understanding between the two nations, the Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Tuesday.
The delegation are representatives of the National Defense University, Pakistan’s leading military educational institute situated in Islamabad, the embassy said in a statement. It added that the delegation comprises senior military and civil service officers, including those from friendly countries as well.
“The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi hosted a delegation of National Security and War Course (NSWC) of the National Defense University (NDU), Islamabad, during their foreign study visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE),” the embassy said in its statement.
“The visit aims to enhance bilateral dialogue, academic collaboration, and mutual understanding between Pakistan and the UAE.”
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi welcomed the delegation, stressing the significance of these exchanges in deepening bilateral cooperation. He stated that the visit also reflects our commitment to strengthening the historic Pakistan-UAE partnership, the embassy said.
“During their visit, the delegation will have high-level interactions with UAE government officials, think tanks, and other institutions of UAE,” the statement said.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry.
It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.
The two nations have stepped up efforts in recent years to strengthen their business and investment ties. In January 2024, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.
Pakistan, Bangladesh resolve to strengthen bilateral ties, maintain high-level contacts
- Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar speaks to Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, says state media
- Islamabad and Dhaka have attempted to rebuild bitter relations since ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar agreed to strengthen bilateral relationship with Bangladesh and maintain high-level contacts with its leadership, state-run media reported on Tuesday, as Islamabad looks to forge closer ties with the Muhammad Yunus-led government.
Pakistan and Bangladesh, once one nation, split after a brutal 1971 war with Dhaka drawing closer to Islamabad’s arch-rival New Delhi. However, long-time Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted after her government was overthrown in August 2024. She fled via helicopter to India as Dhaka attempts to extradite her.
Relations between India and Bangladesh’s interim government have been frosty since then, allowing Islamabad and Dhaka to rebuild ties slowly. Dar spoke to Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser, over the telephone on Monday, Pakistani state broadcaster said.
“Pakistan and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and maintain regular high-level engagements,” Radio Pakistan reported.
Direct private trade between the countries restarted in November 2024, when a container ship sailed from Pakistan’s Karachi to Bangladesh’s Chittagong. It was the first cargo ship in decades to sail directly between the countries.
Dar discussed Pakistan’s increased regional tensions with India during his conversation with Hossain, in light of New Delhi’s “unfounded” allegations it was involved in an attack last month in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Gunmen killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam tourist resort on April 22, straining ties between the two nations as India blamed Pakistan for backing the attack. Islamabad denied involvement and has asked New Delhi to share proof to substantiate its claims, something it hasn’t done yet.
“The Bangladeshi Foreign Affairs Adviser expressed concern over the current situation and emphasized the need for de-escalation and exercising restraint by all parties,” Radio Pakistan said.
India and Pakistan — carved out of the subcontinent at the chaotic end of British colonial rule in 1947— have fought multiple wars and remain bitter foes. The two countries claim the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir in full but govern only parts of it separated by a Line of Control (LoC) de facto border.
Peshawar Zalmi thrash Multan Sultans by 7 wickets, keep PSL playoff hopes alive
- Zalmi all-rounder Ahmad Daniyal returns figures of 3/17, Luke Wood and Maaz Sadaqat take two wickets each
- Peshawar will next face Karachi Kings on Wednesday and two-time champions Lahore Qalandars on Friday
ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Zalmi continued their impressive run of form on Monday by beating Multan Sultans by seven wickets at their home ground, effectively keeping their hopes of qualifying for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs stage alive.
The Sultans batted first at their home turf but were unable to impress, losing a flurry of wickets as Zalmi bowlers kept on taking breakthroughs at regular intervals. The only signs of resistance came from Shai Hope, who top-scored for the Sultans with 23 runs while middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir made 22.
Zalmi’s Ahmad Daniyal was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3/17 from four overs while Luke Wood and Maaz Sadaqat picked two wickets each to ensure the Sultans were bowled out for 108 runs in 19.1 overs.
“In the 25th match of Pakistan Super League, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Multan Sultans by seven wickets in Multan last night,” Radio Pakistan reported.
Zalmi chased the total in 13 overs with seven wickets to spare. Explosive opening batter Saim Ayub scored 49 runs from 33 balls while Max Bryant remained unbeaten on 38 from 20 balls.
Zalmi captain Babar Azam scored 8 runs from 13 balls while Mitchell Owen scored only one run from two balls. For the Sultans, Shahid Aziz returned figures of 2/17 from three overs while David Willey finished with 1/9 from his single over.
The “Yellow Storm” remain at number five on the PSL points table with four wins from a total of eight matches. The top four teams will qualify for the PSL playoffs.
If Zalmi qualify for the playoffs, Azam’s team will remain the only one to qualify for every playoff since the edition began in 2016.
Zalmi will next play Karachi Kings on Thursday before taking on former two-time PSL champions Lahore Qalandars on Friday.
Pakistan army chief, Iranian FM review border management, security challenges
- Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border
- Araghchi arrived in Islamabad this week to discuss surging tensions between India and Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reviewed border management and security challenges with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi this week, the Pakistan military’s media wing said, with the two sides agreeing to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border and routinely trade blame for not rooting out militancy. Tensions surged in January last year when Pakistan and Iran exchanged airstrikes, with both claiming to target alleged militant hideouts in each other’s territory.
Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Monday to hold talks with Pakistani leadership as Islamabad’s tensions with New Delhi surge. Iran has offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed nations as the threat of war looms over the South Asian region.
“The meeting featured constructive discussions on the geo-strategic environment, with particular focus on challenges confronted by both countries in the domain of security,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said on Monday.
“The Pak-Iran border security mechanism was also reviewed as part of efforts to enhance bilateral coordination.”
The statement said both sides agreed to stay engaged for enhanced bilateral cooperation, while jointly working to assist in bringing “positive developments” in issues concerning the region.
“The Iranian FM acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR said.
Earlier, Araghchi met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as the two held delegation-level talks. Dar expressed appreciation for the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations and emphasized the need to expand cooperation in key areas including trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
Pakistan urges Security Council to de-escalate tensions, says dialogue ‘only way’ to resolve issues
- Pakistan’s UN ambassador briefs Security Council during special session in New York on prevailing tensions with India
- New Delhi accuses Islamabad of backing militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 tourists
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has urged the UN Security Council to de-escalate Islamabad’s tensions with New Delhi, stating that dialogue is the “only way” to resolve issues between the nuclear-armed nations, state-run media reported on Tuesday.
A special UN Security Council session to discuss surging tensions between Pakistan and India was convened in New York on Monday at Islamabad’s request. The meeting took place as fears of a military confrontation between India and Pakistan loom after ties deteriorated last month following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.
India has accused Pakistan of backing the Apr. 22 attack which took place in Pahalgam, a tourist spot in Indian-administered Kashmir. Islamabad has denied involvement and asked for evidence which New Delhi has so far not publicly shared. Both countries have since exchanged gunfire in Kashmir, taken diplomatic measures against each other, expelled citizens and ordered the border shut.
“Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to take steps to de-escalate tensions in South Asia for global and regional peace,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
The state broadcaster said Ahmad told reporters after the session ended that India’s recent steps are a “threat to peace and stability in the region and dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.”
Ahmad informed Security Council members that Pakistan is ready to take part in any independent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack, Radio Pakistan said. He also raised the issue of India suspending the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance unilaterally.
India suspended the 1960 World Bank-mediated treaty a day after the Pahalgam attack, saying the suspension would last until “Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” Pakistan has described the suspension of the treaty as an “act of war” and vowed to respond with full force to any attempts to divert or stop its water flow.
The flare-up and exchanges of small arms fire between India and Pakistan across their de facto border in Kashmir has alarmed world and regional powers, who have called for restraint and urged the two neighbors to resolve the crisis through dialogue. Pakistan has assured foreign capitals and friendly nations that it would not be the first one to strike, according to officials.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday night, Radio Pakistan reported, to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing tensions with India. Guterres briefed Sharif on his outreach efforts for peace and stability in the region, expressing his commitment to remain engaged with all interlocutors on the issue.
Sharif appreciated the UN secretary-general’s continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation, the state-run media reported.
Pakistan and India have a history of bitter relations. They have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, a region split between them, since gaining independence from the former British colonial rule in 1947.
