FBR has taken a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan’s tax collection and broadening its tax base with the creation of a dedicated Data Governance Office. The office, which falls under the Directorate General of IT & DT, is part of the FBR’s broader strategy to optimize its data management processes, improve revenue mobilization, and ensure better coordination in utilizing data for taxation purposes.
This new initiative was announced on Friday through a notification, and it comes in response to the growing need for more efficient data management within Pakistan’s tax system. The creation of the Data Governance Office aligns with the FBR’s goal of refining its data management systems, streamlining operations, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to expand the tax base and boost revenue collection.
The newly appointed Chief of Data Management & Governance will play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of the FBR’s Data Governance and Information Security Policy. This includes overseeing the management and utilization of data across various wings and field offices within FBR. The role will also involve coordinating with different departments to ensure that the flow of data complies with established guidelines and utilizes the latest innovations in data analytics.
Furthermore, the Chief of Data Management & Governance will be responsible for ensuring that all requests for information and the development of Management Information System (MIS) reports are routed through their office. This centralization of data requests aims to create a more streamlined process for data sharing and reporting within the FBR, which is expected to enhance the efficiency of decision-making and data-driven policies.
The FBR’s focus on data acquisition and integration is another critical aspect of the new initiative. The Chief of Data Acquisition & Integration will be responsible for liaising with third-party entities to acquire the necessary data and ensure its proper integration into FBR’s systems. By identifying key fields of data required for revenue mobilization and broadening the tax base, this role will contribute directly to strengthening the overall efficiency of the tax system.
Additionally, the Chief of Data Acquisition & Integration will monitor the flow of data into the FBR’s systems and ensure that data is properly utilized and disseminated to the field formations of FBR. They will also be responsible for ensuring that non-compliance is addressed and proposing actions against those not adhering to the established data governance practices.
The establishment of this office is a clear indication of FBR’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s tax system. It reflects an understanding of the importance of efficient data management in today’s world, where technology plays an essential role in driving economic growth and improving tax collection. The introduction of AI and ML in data processing, in particular, could help the FBR identify previously untapped revenue streams, automate certain processes, and make more informed decisions on tax policy and enforcement.
By enhancing its data governance framework, FBR is taking the necessary steps to improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and create a more robust infrastructure for tax collection in Pakistan. In the long run, this initiative is expected to help reduce the tax gap, widen the tax base, and provide the government with the financial resources needed to fund development projects and social welfare programs.
