The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan’s tax system by forming a four-member committee to oversee the launch and operationalization of the International Center for Tax Excellence (ICTE). This initiative, established under Section 230J of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, aims to modernize tax administration, improve compliance, and facilitate international cooperation in taxation.
The newly formed Monitoring Committee will be responsible for ensuring that the ICTE becomes fully functional, providing expertise and strategic oversight. According to an official notification, the committee will be chaired by Muhammad Iqbal, a Grade BS-21 officer of the Inland Revenue Service and currently serving as the Member Admin/HR at the FBR. Other key members of the committee include Ahmad Shuja Khan, Member (Audit/CRM), Ardsher Saleem Tariq, Member (Reforms & Modernization), and Fida Muhammad, Chief (International Taxes) from the Directorate General of International Tax Operations.
The ICTE is expected to serve as a hub for tax-related research, policy recommendations, and international collaboration. By leveraging modern technologies and global best practices, the center will help streamline tax processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance transparency within Pakistan’s taxation framework. This development aligns with the FBR’s broader goal of improving tax collection mechanisms and ensuring a more structured and efficient approach to handling international taxation matters.
As Pakistan continues to engage with global financial institutions and trading partners, the establishment of the ICTE marks a crucial step toward aligning the country’s tax policies with international standards. The center is expected to play a key role in tax research, capacity-building initiatives, and fostering partnerships with foreign tax authorities. This will help Pakistan strengthen its tax enforcement mechanisms while also creating a more favorable environment for businesses operating across borders.
In recent years, the FBR has been working on various digitalization efforts, including broadening the tax net and improving tax compliance through automation and data analytics. The ICTE is set to complement these efforts by providing policymakers and tax administrators with valuable insights, training programs, and innovative solutions to modern tax challenges.
With the rapid globalization of financial transactions, tax authorities worldwide are under increasing pressure to combat tax evasion and improve revenue collection. Pakistan’s move to establish a dedicated center for tax excellence reflects the country’s commitment to fostering a transparent and efficient taxation system. By equipping tax officials with the necessary tools and knowledge, the ICTE will contribute to better governance, enhanced taxpayer facilitation, and stronger enforcement against tax fraud.
The FBR’s decision to form a dedicated Monitoring Committee underscores its intent to ensure the smooth rollout of the ICTE. The committee members, each possessing extensive experience in tax administration and policy reform, will play a crucial role in shaping the center’s strategic direction and ensuring its objectives are met.
As the ICTE takes shape, its impact on Pakistan’s tax landscape will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, policymakers, and international partners. The initiative represents a proactive approach to modernizing the tax system, making compliance easier for businesses and individuals while strengthening Pakistan’s fiscal framework on a global scale.
