The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly urged the Pakistani government to achieve tax collection targets for the current year “at all costs,” according to sources on Thursday.
Ongoing technical talks between Pakistan and the IMF delegation included a briefing from officials at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday. FBR officials presented an elaborate tax collection plan to the IMF delegation, who will provide recommendations after reviewing the proposal.
The IMF has specifically directed the FBR to increase tax collection from the retail, agriculture, and real estate sectors. While the government is contemplating a fixed tax on retailers, the IMF team is reportedly hesitant to accept this approach.
In addition to sector-specific measures, the Fund has also pressed the government to establish a clear timeline for incorporating agricultural income into the tax net. However, the primary focus of the IMF remains on ensuring that tax targets are met without fail, with a readiness to take necessary steps in case of any shortfall.
