Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the installation of the track and trace system in all cigarette factories in the next two weeks and expressed displeasure over the non-installation of the automatic track and trace system in all the sugar mills.
The premier gave a directive to law enforcement agencies to give the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) all the assistance possible in preventing the smuggling and sale of illegal cigarettes while presiding over a review meeting on the installation of an automatic track and trace system, point of sales, and overall tax increase in the cigarette industry on Tuesday.
He also instructed tenure posting at the border crossing for officers with a decent image.
The meeting was told that the majority of the manufacturing facilities in the country currently have track and trace systems installed, and the installation process is ongoing in the remaining factories.
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The meeting was also made aware of the conclusion of negotiations for the installation of a track and trace device at factories in Azad Kashmir.
The FBR’s efforts to stop the selling and smuggling of illegal cigarettes were also discussed at the meeting.
The FBR informed the prime minister that it has added 0.7 million new taxpayers to its revenue base and is working to reach its goals for this year. The premier also wanted a thorough plan designed to boost tax receipts.
Additionally, the meeting was updated on the status of the installation of an automatic track and trace device at sugar mills.
The lack of an automatic track and trace system in every sugar mill infuriated the premier, who requested an inquiry report after identifying those in charge of failing to implement the system in the sugar mills.
The prime minister ordered that a track and trace system outfitted with cutting-edge technology be installed in all the economically troubled sectors of the economy using the services of globally renowned institutions.
This initiative will improve the documentation of the country’s economy and increase revenue. He also directed that a report should be submitted to him in the next two weeks. He said that legal and judicial proceedings regarding tax collection should be accelerated.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah Khan, Makhdoom Murtaza Mehmood, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Special Assistants Jehanzeb Khan, Tariq Pasha, and relevant senior officials.
