Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday congratulated the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for achieving its revised revenue collection target for fiscal year 2025-26, calling it a historic milestone driven by reforms, teamwork, and improved tax administration.
Speaking at FBR Headquarters on the first day of the new fiscal year, the finance minister conveyed the prime minister’s congratulations to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, board members, senior officers, and field formations across the country for meeting the revised target.
Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s tax collection has nearly doubled over the past two and a half years, describing it as one of the most significant improvements in the country’s fiscal history. He added that stronger revenues had helped improve Pakistan’s macroeconomic position, contributing to the lowest fiscal deficit and the highest-ever primary surplus.
The minister also praised the FBR for maintaining strong revenue growth despite tariff reductions introduced to support economic activity. He highlighted that the tax authority disbursed Rs. 599 billion in tax refunds during FY26, including a record Rs. 13.5 billion released on the last day of the fiscal year to facilitate businesses and exporters.
Aurangzeb commended the close coordination between the Finance Ministry and the FBR during the preparation of the FY2025-26 federal budget, saying the collaboration between tax policy and tax administration resulted in one of Pakistan’s most progressive budgets.
Looking ahead, he said the government’s approved FBR operating model would accelerate reforms through greater use of artificial intelligence, automation, digital systems, and improved taxpayer services while reducing opportunities for corruption and discretionary decision-making.
The finance minister reiterated that the government’s goal is to transform the FBR into a modern institution focused not only on revenue collection but also on taxpayer facilitation, transparency, and public trust.
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial thanked the finance minister for his continued support and highlighted the close cooperation between the Finance Division and the tax authority during budget preparation and negotiations with the IMF and other stakeholders.
He said ongoing reforms include technology upgrades, AI-based solutions, customs modernization, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving tax compliance, strengthening transparency, and modernizing Pakistan’s tax administration.
The meeting concluded with Aurangzeb once again congratulating the entire FBR team and leading a standing ovation in recognition of Chairman Langrial and FBR officials for achieving the revised annual revenue collection target.
