Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has forged a strategic partnership with Karandaaz Pakistan to embark on the digitalization of the tax system. Aligned with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, this initiative aims to revolutionize FBR’s operations and enhance service delivery to taxpayers.
The agreement signifies FBR’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to streamline processes and promote transparency in tax collection. By embracing automation and digitalization, FBR seeks to lower compliance costs for taxpayers, formalize the economy, broaden the tax base, and pave the way for sustainable revenue growth.
Under the collaboration, Karandaaz Pakistan, known for its impact investment platform driving economic growth and fostering financial inclusion, will play a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive digital strategy for FBR. This strategy will encompass assessing business needs, evaluating existing IT infrastructure, and identifying taxpayer-centric solutions to facilitate the digital transformation of Pakistan’s tax system.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, Chairman of FBR, highlighted the organization’s efforts towards automation and digitalization, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in modernizing the economy and addressing challenges related to undocumented sectors. The collaboration with Karandaaz is poised to accelerate FBR’s digitalization initiatives and drive impactful change in tax administration.
Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Finance and Revenue, underscored the significance of adopting a people-centric approach in designing digital solutions. Emphasizing the need for top-tier expertise, he stressed the engagement of experienced international consultants to ensure the success of the digital transformation endeavor.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Waqas ul Hasan, CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan, highlighted its alignment with the organization’s Digital Public Infrastructure workstream, sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He emphasized the transformative potential of the collaboration, envisioning a robust digital ecosystem that places taxpayers at the forefront of the tax administration’s operations.
The agreement, signed on March 15th, 2024, signifies a pivotal milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards digital transformation. Representing FBR, Mr. Ardsher Salim Tariq, Member (Reforms and Modernization), and on behalf of Karandaaz Pakistan, Mr. Sharjeel Murtaza, Director Digital Services, sealed the partnership, signaling a new era of innovation and efficiency in tax administration.
