In a move aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s tax filing system, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially reconstituted its Single Portal Committee. This initiative seeks to simplify the sales tax return filing process for taxpayers across the federal and provincial levels, creating a unified and digital platform that improves coordination, compliance, and efficiency within the tax system.
The restructuring comes after a series of consultations between the FBR and the four Provincial Revenue Authorities (PRAs), who collectively agreed on the need for a more streamlined and integrated system for sales tax return filing. The decision was finalized during a Tax Round Table Meeting held in Islamabad on November 15, 2023. The meeting followed earlier notifications issued by the FBR in October and December 2023, signaling the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s tax administration and simplifying the compliance process for businesses.
The newly reconstituted committee is composed of senior officials from both the FBR and the tax authorities of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. These members will oversee the development, implementation, and operationalization of the new single portal for sales tax filings, ensuring the system meets the needs of both federal and provincial tax jurisdictions.
Key members of the committee include representatives from the FBR such as Mr. Aamer Amin Bhatti and Mr. Zain ul Abidin Sahi, along with officials from provincial tax bodies like Mr. Salman Zafar from the Punjab Revenue Authority, Mr. Abdul Hameed Memon from the Sindh Revenue Board, Mr. Abdur Raziq from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority, and Mr. Ethesham ul Haq and Mr. Fahad Shabir from the Balochistan Revenue Authority.
The Terms of Reference (TORs) for the committee lay out a clear mandate, focusing on the operational requirements and steps needed to roll out the Single Portal for Sales Tax Return filing. One of the committee’s key tasks is to assess the readiness of the system and the necessary actions for its successful implementation across all jurisdictions. Additionally, the committee is tasked with reviewing proposed changes in return forms, addressing operational issues related to filing deadlines, and managing revisions in already filed returns.
Beyond these operational tasks, the committee will also provide recommendations on various other aspects of the project. This includes advising on software development timelines for provincial tax systems, implementing common annexures across jurisdictions in the unified portal, and recommending amendments to tax laws to ensure consistency in filing dates across federal and provincial authorities. Data privacy, system management, and ownership will also be key considerations as the committee works to build a cohesive and secure tax filing platform.
To ensure the successful execution of these initiatives, the Pakistan Raises Revenue Program Office, based at the FBR headquarters in Islamabad, will support the committee with logistical coordination, communication, and regular meetings. This office will play an integral role in keeping the project on track and facilitating cooperation between all stakeholders involved.
This reconstitution of the Single Portal Committee is a significant step in Pakistan’s broader efforts to digitize its tax administration. By creating a unified, digital platform for sales tax filing, the FBR aims to simplify the process for businesses, reduce administrative burdens, and improve overall transparency and compliance across the nation. The move aligns with the government’s larger goal of creating a modern, efficient, and transparent tax system that encourages voluntary compliance and fosters economic growth.
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