Finance Minister Applauds FBR for Achieving FY26 Tax Target

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.

He invited the participants to give a standing round of applause in recognition of Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial and the collective efforts of the entire tax team.

Addressing a meeting at the FBR Headquarters, the finance minister conveyed the prime minister’s congratulations to the FBR leadership, board members, and field formations, saying the achievement reflected the government’s broader fiscal reform efforts over the past two and a half years.

Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s tax collection has nearly doubled during the period, contributing to stronger macroeconomic indicators, including the country’s lowest fiscal deficit and highest ever primary surplus. He added that the revenue target was achieved despite tariff reductions introduced to support economic activity.

The finance minister also highlighted that the FBR disbursed Rs. 599 billion in tax refunds during the fiscal year, including Rs. 13.5 billion released on the final day of the year. He said the refunds demonstrated the government’s commitment to facilitating businesses and exporters.

He praised the coordination between the Finance Division and the FBR during the preparation of the federal budget, saying the integration of tax policy and tax administration helped deliver what he described as a progressive budget focused on reforms.

Looking ahead, Aurangzeb said the government’s newly approved operating model for the FBR will accelerate institutional reforms through greater use of technology, automation, artificial intelligence, and improved taxpayer services.

He said the government remains committed to reducing discretion in tax administration while making compliance easier and more transparent.

FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial thanked the finance minister for his continued support and said close coordination between the Finance Division and the FBR helped the government manage complex fiscal and tax policy matters, including consultations with the International Monetary Fund, provincial governments, and other stakeholders.

Langrial said the FBR is continuing work on technology upgrades, artificial intelligence-based solutions, customs modernization, and capacity building programs to improve taxpayer services, strengthen compliance, and modernize Pakistan’s tax administration.