Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman has declared that the provincial government will achieve its revenue targets in the new fiscal year without imposing any additional tax burden on taxpayers. Speaking at the Annual Strategic Conference organised by the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA), he emphasised that complete digitalisation of the tax system would be ensured during the new financial year, with transparency, effective enforcement, and improved collection of existing taxes remaining the government's key priorities.
Zero tolerance for fake invoicing and tax evasion
The minister stated that a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against fake invoicing and tax evasion. Tax defaulters will be encouraged to fulfil their tax obligations, while unregistered businesses will be brought into the tax net through registration. The conference was attended by PRA Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Supra, board members, and senior officers and officials.
Record revenue collection in FY2025-26
Congratulating the PRA on achieving Rs368 billion in revenue collection during FY2025-26, with an exceptional 36% annual growth, the minister said the authority had collected Rs97 billion more in taxes than the previous fiscal year. He appreciated the outstanding performance and congratulated the entire PRA team.
Reducing dependence on federal government
The minister said the increase in Punjab's own-source revenues represents significant progress towards reducing dependence on the federal government and reflects the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He added that tax reforms are not aimed solely at increasing revenue; rather, the Punjab government is actively working to promote transparency in the tax system and eliminate corruption.
Better public services through higher revenues
He emphasised that higher revenues translate into better public services. The government is utilising taxpayers' money to improve healthcare and education facilities, provide essential infrastructure for businesses, and implement public welfare projects.
Public cooperation essential
The finance minister further stated that public cooperation is essential for eliminating corruption from the tax system. He urged citizens to always demand a proper receipt while making payments and to discourage businesses that refuse to issue e-bills or accept digital payments. He added that during the new fiscal year, the institutional capacity of the PRA would be further strengthened and the use of modern technology expanded to make enforcement more effective.
Appreciation for PRA officers
During the conference, the minister also distributed certificates of appreciation among PRA officers and officials in recognition of their outstanding performance.
PRA chairman highlights digital reforms
Addressing the ceremony, PRA Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Supra said the authority had achieved the highest tax collection in its history during FY2025-26, attributing this success to effective strategy, digital reforms, and teamwork. He stated that the implementation of the electronic tax system is playing a key role in eliminating corruption from tax administration. He added that further reforms during the current fiscal year would ensure greater transparency in the tax system and enhance the institutional capacity of the authority. He emphasised that achieving prescribed revenue targets is not possible without reforms and transparency, as taxpayers' confidence in state institutions remains the cornerstone of a successful tax system.
