Punjab PRA Forms Special Unit, Posts Rs66.41B Q1 Revenue

LAHORE: The Punjab government has greenlit a Special Unit within the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) to bolster provincial finances through enhanced revenue collection and stricter compliance.

This unit will integrate factoriers, tax consultants, legal experts, and data analysts, heralding a shift toward a professional, technology-driven approach. The government has also granted in-principle approval for recruiting 130 enforcement officers to strengthen field operations.

The PRA plans to extend its reach to 30 districts by October 30, as mandated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Additional Deputy Commissioners General (ADCGs) will assume expanded roles to support the Authority’s objectives.

During a special meeting on revenue collection in Lahore, Director General PRA Moazzam Ali Supra delivered a comprehensive briefing to the Chief Minister, covering tax targets, enforcement strategies, and the potential inclusion of 19 new taxable sectors under review.

Maryam Nawaz stressed that “honest taxpayers must not face harassment,” directing officials to prioritize new sectors for the tax net over burdening existing contributors. She demanded transparency at every stage of tax collection.

To streamline taxpayer services, the PRA launched a dedicated mobile application and deployed enforcement teams to identify unregistered service providers. These teams are conducting field surveys and issuing immediate notices in a province-wide crackdown on tax evasion.

The PRA reported a record-shattering Rs66.41 billion collected in Q1 FY2025-26, a 28% surge from Rs51.98 billion the previous year. Additionally, Rs1.7 billion was amassed via the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess.

In a Thursday statement, the PRA attributed this growth to broadening the tax base, targeting untapped sectors, and promoting voluntary compliance, without introducing new taxes or raising existing rates.

Since the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial revenue authorities have emerged as critical pillars of Pakistan’s fiscal framework, with the PRA funding public development, infrastructure, and social services in Punjab.

Officials expressed optimism that Q1 momentum will propel the PRA to meet or exceed its annual revenue targets, solidifying Punjab’s fiscal stability and development capacity.