Driven by the objective to align Pakistan Raises Revenue Project intervention strategies with the FBR Transformation Plan, World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine paid a courtesy call on the FBR Headquarters.
Support to the FBR Transformation Plan from the World Bank
World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine visited today some of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) HQs. He was hosted by FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and his team. Discussion was held on merging activities under the Pakistan Raises Revenue Project and those in support of the Transformation Plan of the FBR.
Key Attendees
Accompanying Benhassine were Tobias Akhtar Haque (Lead Country Economist), Irum Touqeer (Public Sector Specialist), and Eva Liselotte Lescrauwaet (Senior Operations Officer) during the visit.
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Vision for Transformation
Chairman Langrial presented to the delegation the possibilities which the government has in as far as transformation of FBR is concerned. He was however quick to point out that the intention of these reforms was not to stem growth in revenue but to encourage it while enhancing compliance. Some of the key reform areas targeted include adoption of technology, enhancement of the skills of human resource, implementation of counter smuggling strategies and improvement of tax administration services in general.
Appeal for Assistance
At the meeting, the chairman asked the World Bank team to assist him with the reform initiatives such as the setting up of digital enforcement stations, the digitalization of the supply chain, and the feasibility studies for these projects.
World Bank’s Assurance
Benhassine affirmed his fiduciary support for mobilization of revenues in Pakistan and again stressed that both parties will join forces to implement the activities of the FBR transformation plan under the Pakistan Raises Revenue Program.
Final Assessment
The partnership between the World Bank and FBR speaks volume to the both in their resolve to improve Pakistan’s revenue systems through structural reforms and modernization. This aims at enhancing tax compliance while increasing the levels of revenue collection.