In a significant milestone for public-sector tax administration in Pakistan, the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) has been awarded the prestigious status of Training Organisation outside Practice (TOoP) by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). This recognition makes SRB the first public-sector tax agency in the country to receive this honor, a move that promises to strengthen the board’s tax audit capabilities and elevate its services to new heights.
The TOoP status allows the SRB to engage Chartered Accountancy (CA) students for articleship, providing them with the opportunity to gain valuable experience while contributing to the board’s efforts in improving tax compliance and administration. This initiative also aligns with SRB’s ongoing modernization and reform agenda, aimed at creating a more efficient and business-friendly tax environment in Sindh.
A certificate award ceremony, marking this significant achievement, took place at the Chief Minister House in Karachi. The ceremony was attended by several key figures, including ICAP President Saifullah, who formally presented the certificate to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and SRB Chairman Dr. Wasif Ali Memon. Also present at the event were Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah and other senior government officials.
In his address, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah praised the SRB for its outstanding performance in modernizing the revenue collection process and implementing progressive reforms in the taxation system. He reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and highlighted the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) resolve to provide efficient facilitation to taxpayers across the province.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that taxes should not be viewed as a burden but rather as an investment that enables the government to enhance public services, infrastructure, and overall governance. He also noted that Sindh has emerged as a leader in providing the best tax facilitation services in Pakistan, positioning the province as an example for other jurisdictions to follow. He called for continued collaboration between SRB and ICAP to further refine and improve the province’s taxation system, ensuring greater professional expertise and transparency in tax administration.
Chairman of SRB, Dr. Wasif Ali Memon, shared insights into the board’s remarkable growth and its contributions to Sindh’s economy. He noted that SRB’s revenue collection has grown exponentially since its inception in 2011, from Rs. 25 billion in its first year to Rs. 25 billion per month today. Dr. Memon also highlighted the adoption of modern methodologies by SRB to improve tax compliance and streamline administration, while continuing to prioritize taxpayer facilitation.
ICAP President Saifullah expressed his gratitude toward Chief Minister Sindh for supporting ICAP’s initiatives and commended SRB for its taxpayer-friendly policies and commitment to reform. He proposed the establishment of a joint working group between ICAP and SRB to further enhance the province’s tax systems and governance. The proposal was welcomed and enthusiastically supported by CM Sindh.
The Government of Sindh remains dedicated to advancing progressive taxation policies, improving revenue administration, and fostering professional partnerships to build a robust financial ecosystem within the province. This collaboration between SRB and ICAP marks a step forward in realizing these goals, ultimately benefiting both taxpayers and the broader economy of Sindh.