LAHORE: A four-member delegation of the World Bank on Friday held discussions with Chairman Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Moazzam Iqbal Sipra on promoting a cashless economy in Punjab and accelerating the digitalisation of the province’s tax collection framework.
During the meeting, the PRA chairman briefed the delegation on practical initiatives being undertaken by the Punjab government to encourage digital payments, particularly in the services sector. He said the authority is actively facilitating businesses to shift away from cash-based transactions as part of a broader move toward a digital and transparent economy.
Sipra highlighted that consumers in the hotel and restaurant sector are being offered tax relief of up to 11 percent on payments made through debit and credit cards. He noted that such incentives are aimed at encouraging both businesses and consumers to adopt digital payment channels, thereby increasing documentation and reducing reliance on cash.
The chairman informed the delegation that the PRA and the World Bank have agreed on a joint working plan to fully digitalise Punjab’s tax collection system. He said the transition toward an e-economy would play a key role in curbing tax evasion, reducing discretionary practices, and eliminating manipulation and tampering of records.
As part of the reform agenda, Sipra shared that the development and operations of PRA’s electronic systems will be integrated with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) database. This integration, he said, will help ensure greater transparency, real-time data sharing, and improved efficiency in tax administration.
He further stated that, with the support of other provincial and federal institutions, the scope of business registration and tax collection is being expanded. The objective is to bring more service providers into the tax net while simplifying compliance through digital tools and automated processes.
The PRA chairman stressed that digitalisation is not only a revenue-enhancing measure but also a governance reform that strengthens trust between taxpayers and the state. By minimising human intervention and increasing system-based controls, the authority aims to create a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment.
The World Bank delegation appreciated the reform agenda being pursued by the Punjab Revenue Authority and acknowledged the progress made toward digital payments and tax system modernisation. The delegation assured full practical cooperation and technical support for the implementation of agreed initiatives, particularly in areas related to system integration, data management, and capacity building.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the Punjab government and the World Bank to advancing a cashless economy, improving tax compliance, and strengthening institutional capacity through technology-driven reforms.
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