Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued directives for the prompt elimination of all legal impediments hindering the complete implementation of the track and trace system.

Chairing a review meeting on Monday, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to address legal barriers obstructing the full activation of the track and trace system. The meeting received a comprehensive briefing on the status of the automatic tax system within key sectors such as sugar, cement, fertilizer, and tobacco, highlighting challenges preventing its seamless operation.

It was disclosed that the track and trace system is fully operational in 14 major tobacco factories, while 12 factories have been shut down due to non-compliance with the system. Additionally, all fertilizer industries have successfully integrated the track and trace system, although technical issues persist in the application within sugar and cement sectors, with measures underway to resolve them.

Furthermore, efforts are being made to crack down on smuggling activities through warehouse raids across the country. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to collaborate closely with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in this endeavor.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahad Khan Cheema, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Jehanzeb Khan, FBR Chairman Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana, and other senior officials. In response to the Prime Minister’s directives, an inquiry committee has been constituted to identify obstacles hindering the full activation of the track and trace system, with a report expected within seven days. The committee’s mandate includes investigating instances of tax evasion and providing recommendations for the future implementation of the automatic tax system in various industries.

PM Shahbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need for complete restoration of the track and trace system within the tobacco, sugar, cement, and fertilizer sectors, extending its application to other vital sectors. He emphasized strict action against factories refusing to adopt the track and trace system, advocating for immediate closure of non-compliant facilities.