The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially formed a four-member committee to oversee the establishment and operationalization of the International Center for Tax Excellence (ICTE). This initiative is part of the government’s continued efforts to enhance the country’s tax administration and provide a platform for improved international tax cooperation.
According to a notification issued by the FBR, the establishment of the ICTE is being carried out in compliance with Section 230J of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. This section grants the FBR the authority to set up the center, which is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan’s tax infrastructure, promoting transparency, and improving compliance with international tax standards.
The formation of the committee is a crucial step in ensuring that the ICTE becomes fully operational and serves its intended purpose. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of the center, guiding its development, and ensuring that it adheres to the regulatory requirements outlined by the FBR. The committee’s mandate includes addressing various challenges in the global tax landscape, focusing on capacity building, and providing support to Pakistan’s tax authorities in keeping pace with international tax developments.
The committee will be chaired by Muhammad Iqbal, a senior officer in the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) who holds the position of Member Admin/HR at the FBR. Iqbal’s experience and expertise in tax administration make him a fitting choice to lead the committee, as he will bring valuable insight into the operationalization of the ICTE.
The other members of the committee include:
- Ahmad Shuja Khan, the Member for Audit/CRM, who will bring his extensive background in audit and compliance to ensure that the ICTE’s operations are in line with national and international tax regulations.
- Ardsher Saleem Tariq, the Member for Reforms & Modernization, whose role will be vital in integrating modernization efforts into the ICTE’s framework and improving Pakistan’s tax systems.
- Fida Muhammad, Chief of International Taxes from the Directorate General of International Tax Operations, who will contribute his specialized knowledge in international tax matters to the committee’s work.
This team of experts will work together to implement the strategic goals of the ICTE, focusing on enhancing the capacity of Pakistan’s tax administration to manage global tax issues effectively. The center is expected to provide training and capacity-building programs, support international tax negotiations, and act as a hub for research and development in the field of taxation.
The establishment of the International Center for Tax Excellence is part of the broader reform agenda of the FBR, aimed at improving Pakistan’s compliance with international tax standards, as well as promoting transparency and accountability within the tax system. The move is also in line with Pakistan’s commitments under international frameworks such as the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative, which aims to combat tax avoidance and ensure that multinational corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
The creation of the ICTE comes at a time when global tax standards are evolving rapidly, and there is increasing pressure on countries to modernize their tax systems. By launching this center, the FBR is positioning Pakistan to be better equipped to address the challenges of an increasingly complex global tax environment. The ICTE will serve as a key resource for policymakers, tax professionals, and businesses, helping Pakistan navigate the evolving landscape of international taxation.
In conclusion, the formation of the four-member committee is a significant step toward the successful operationalization of the International Center for Tax Excellence. The center’s establishment will strengthen Pakistan’s tax administration, improve compliance with international tax standards, and contribute to the country’s overall economic development by fostering a more efficient and transparent tax system.