Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) began their second review talks on the ongoing loan program, with discussions centering on revenue shortfalls, pending tax litigation, and fiscal reforms. According to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sources, the IMF was briefed on the reasons behind missed tax collection targets. The Fund urged Pakistani authorities to expedite court cases involving the FBR, particularly super tax disputes.

Officials said the FBR remains hopeful of recovering nearly Rs200 billion if decisions are made in its favor. The government delegation informed the IMF mission that floods had caused estimated tax losses of around Rs60 billion. The FBR also requested leniency in revenue targets, though the IMF has yet to give a final response and instead pressed for measures to broaden the tax net. Sources revealed that the enforcement plan to cover the revenue shortfall includes decisions on super tax cases.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)