Karachi, January 10, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has successfully acquired detailed customer data for both pre-paid and post-paid telecom subscribers from all major telecom companies for the fiscal year 2023-24. This significant move is part of FBR’s ongoing effort to integrate third-party databases to enhance data accuracy and improve tax compliance across various sectors. The FBR stated that the collection of this customer information forms a crucial component of its broader strategy to strengthen monitoring and ensure transparency in the financial ecosystem. By obtaining telecom data, the FBR aims to improve its ability to track high-value transactions, verify taxpayer information, and better target potential tax evaders. The integration of third-party data into the FBR’s systems is progressing steadily across various sectors. A breakdown of the current status reveals the following updates: • Telecom Data: The FBR receives monthly CSV files from telecom companies, including Zong, Ufone, Mobilink, and Telenor, containing data on both pre-paid and post-paid customers. This data is securely transferred via PRAL’s FTP server, enabling the FBR to effectively monitor telecom usage patterns and identify inconsistencies with declared incomes. • Bank Data: The FBR also receives monthly data from banks, including details on cash withdrawals, deposits, credit card transactions, and profits earned on debt. This data is uploaded in Excel format via PRAL’s portal, providing the FBR with critical insights into the financial activities of individuals and businesses. • AGPR Data:…