Written by Faisal Shahnawaz in Taxation, Top stories Shehbaz Sharif calls for faster digitalisation, stronger revenue systems and third-party oversight of tax reforms Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure the timely implementation of FBR reforms and intensify action against tax evasion, smuggling and illegal businesses. Chairing the weekly review meeting on Federal Board of Revenue reforms in Islamabad, the prime minister called for a third-party audit of the reform process to improve transparency, efficiency and long-term sustainability. Shehbaz Sharif said digitalisation, production monitoring and automated systems were central to efforts aimed at modernising Pakistan’s tax administration. He also welcomed the appointment of reputed goods evaluators within the FBR and appreciated the board’s leadership for advancing the reforms. The meeting was informed about progress on the restructuring of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), digital tax initiatives and measures designed to strengthen revenue collection. Work is also progressing on IRIS 3.0, a new tax operating model and a central data hub intended to create an integrated, data-driven tax system. International consultants have been engaged to help develop IRIS 3.0, while a related project is being pursued to improve tax administration, introduce pilot auto-taxation and eventually use artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance tax collection. Officials also briefed…