LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Finance Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that Punjab government will achieve its revenue targets in the new fiscal year without imposing any additional tax burden on taxpayers.
He stated that the complete digitalisation of the tax system would be ensured during the new financial year. Transparency, effective enforcement, and improved collection of existing taxes will remain the Government's key priorities. A zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against fake invoicing and tax evasion. Tax defaulters will be encouraged to fulfill their tax obligations, while unregistered businesses will be brought into the tax net through registration.
He expressed these views while addressing the Annual Strategic Conference organised by the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA). The conference was attended by Chairman Punjab Revenue Authority Moazzam Iqbal Supra, Board Members, and senior officers and officials of the PRA. Congratulating the PRA on achieving Rs368 billion in revenue collection during FY 2025-26, with an exceptional 36 percent annual growth, the Provincial Minister said that the PRA had achieved a remarkable milestone by collecting Rs97 billion more in taxes than the previous fiscal year. He appreciated the outstanding performance of the Authority and congratulated the entire PRA team on this achievement.
The provincial minister said that the increase in Punjab's own-source revenues represents significant progress towards reducing dependence on the federal government and reflects the vision of CM Punjab. He added that tax reforms are not aimed solely at increasing revenue; rather, the Punjab government is actively working to promote transparency in the tax system and eliminate corruption. He emphasised that higher revenues translate into better public services. The government is utilizing taxpayers' money to improve healthcare and education facilities, provide essential infrastructure for businesses, and implement public welfare projects. The finance minister further stated that public cooperation is essential for eliminating corruption from the tax system. He urged citizens to always demand a proper receipt while making payments and to discourage businesses that refuse to issue e-bills or accept digital payments. He added that, during the new fiscal year, the institutional capacity of the PRA would be further strengthened and the use of modern technology expanded to make enforcement more effective.
During the conference, the Punjab finance minister also distributed certificates of appreciation among officers and officials of the Punjab Revenue Authority in recognition of their outstanding performance. Addressing the ceremony, Chairman Punjab Revenue Authority Moazzam Iqbal Supra said that the PRA had achieved the highest tax collection in its history during FY 2025-26, attributing this success to the Authority's effective strategy, digital reforms, and teamwork. He stated that the implementation of the electronic tax system is playing a key role in eliminating corruption from the tax administration. He added that further reforms during the current fiscal year would ensure greater transparency in the tax system and enhance the institutional capacity of the authority. He emphasised that achieving the prescribed revenue targets is not possible without reforms and transparency, as taxpayers' confidence in state institutions remains the cornerstone of a successful tax system.
