ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing for a major crackdown on tax evasion and fraud, according to News sources.

Under new legal powers, the FBR can now obtain information directly from internet service providers, telecom companies, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) whenever needed for tax investigations. This means the FBR will have access to details about internet and telecom subscribers across the country.

Commissioners will be allowed to collect any relevant data during inquiries, and telecom operators, along with the PTA, must share customer information if required.

To improve the quality of investigations, the FBR will also appoint experts and auditors to assist in audits and valuations. Private auditors will be strictly required to keep taxpayer data confidential, and any leak of information will lead to penalties and legal action. These confidentiality rules, already in place for government officials, will now also apply to private-sector experts.

In addition, the FBR plans to hire 102 sector specialists and auditors to carry out field audits in 42 major industries, including banking, real estate, power, telecom, cement, sugar, textiles, poultry, education, manufacturing, and IT. The goal is to strengthen monitoring and ensure tax compliance across Pakistan’s key economic sectors.

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