The recent allocation of Rs32.5 billion to the FBR raises serious questions about its priorities. While the initiative aims to enhance efficiency through new vehicles and anti-smuggling efforts, a considerable portion of the budget — Rs5.6 billion — will be spent on nearly 1,100 new cars. This approach diverts substantial resources from addressing the root cause of FBR’s inefficiency: inadequate training and development.
Investing in training and professional development for FBR officers would yield far greater long-term benefits. Building capacity through targeted education, like MBA programs in Tax Management or practical workshops in tax law, could vastly improve tax collection and compliance, directly addressing Pakistan’s low tax-to-GDP ratio. Additionally, rather than focusing on vehicle upgrades, funds could be directed toward a robust system of in-house skill enhancement, improving the quality of audits and fostering expertise in specialised tax areas.
The emphasis on vehicles and short-term perks may bring temporary gains, but a commitment to training would build a capable and motivated workforce, achieving the FBR’s long-term goals more sustainably. Redirecting funds from lavish spending to capacity-building would not only make the FBR more effective but also ensure a stronger return on investment for taxpayers.
Syed Salman Wasti
London
