FBR’s Tax Reform Plan Showcased at IMF-WB Meetings

WASHINGTON DC: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) showcased its Transformation Plan as a global exemplar of public sector reform at the 2025 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.

FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial spotlighted Pakistan’s remarkable achievement in elevating the tax-to-GDP ratio from 8.83% in FY2023–24 to 10.33% in FY2024–25, marking the most significant single-year leap in over 20 years. He credited a homegrown, data-driven strategy prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and compliance.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, joined by Langrial and senior officials from the finance and economic affairs divisions, hailed the plan as one of Pakistan’s most pivotal institutional overhauls. He emphasized its full endorsement by the Prime Minister and federal cabinet, noting early indicators of success.

Aurangzeb underscored that the reform agenda centers on people, processes, and technology, forging a robust foundation for sustained economic growth.

Langrial detailed that the FBR’s transformation kicked off with an eight-week planning sprint in 2024, integrating field officer insights nationwide and bolstered by a dedicated Delivery Unit. He stressed that while digitalization is vital, structural and administrative reforms are equally critical.

The session drew delegates from various nations and development partners. Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk lauded Pakistan’s approach as “the right way to do reforms,” citing it as one of the most compelling tax reform case studies in his World Bank experience.