Karachi, December 26, 2024 – The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA), the premier tax advisory body in the country, has strongly recommended that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) adopt Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for securing taxpayer accounts on the IRIS portal. In a letter to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, PTBA President Anwar Kashif Mumtaz underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures. He noted the current system’s requirement for taxpayers to update their IRIS passwords every 60 days, a practice fraught with inconvenience and vulnerability to cyber threats. Mumtaz expressed concern over the misuse of the IRIS portal by malicious actors, who exploit security gaps to submit falsified documents. Such fraudulent activities not only result in significant revenue losses but also tarnish the portal’s credibility. The PTBA acknowledged FBR’s ongoing efforts to digitize its operations, emphasizing the potential benefits of such initiatives. However, it also highlighted the challenges posed by low literacy levels and limited internet access, particularly in rural regions and on the outskirts of major cities. The association warned that the bi-monthly password update requirement could exacerbate these challenges, increasing the cost of doing business and deterring compliance. To mitigate risks and align…