Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the efforts of concerned ministers and officers on recovering Rs34.5billion for the national treasury.

According to details, the premier chaired a meeting of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) after his return from Saudi Arabia. The meeting, held in Islamabad, was focused on evaluating the FBR’s performance and the way forward for further reforms.

PM Shehbaz expressed his appreciation for the timely recovery, stating, "The entire nation, including myself, is grateful for the contribution of Rs34.5billion to the national exchequer."

He also praised the quick response of the FBR, saying that the recovery within 24 hours of the decision was an admirable achievement. "Such excellent results show that with hard work and dedication, success is inevitable," PM Shehbaz added.

The premier said: "This is a good start, but our journey has only just begun. We need to create a permanent and sustainable system."

"The FBR must be equipped with a robust legal framework for consistent recovery," he said.

Additionally, he demanded the implementation of reforms and tax laws to be ensured through a clear action plan, emphasising that the government must ensure proper execution.

PM Shehbaz instructed that a plan be devised to improve the capabilities of officers and staff. He noted that the future of the FBR lay in its full digitisation, third-party validation, and continuous monitoring.

"Systemic improvements will only come through 100% digitisation, third-party validation, and constant monitoring," he stated.

The prime minister also addressed accountability, warning that any officers or staff involved in corruption would face stringent action.

At the same time, he ensured that officers and staff demonstrating good performance would receive due recognition.

"We will take strong action against officers involved in corruption, and we will also appreciate those who perform well," Sharif said.

"If we are to change the destiny of Pakistan, permanent changes in the system are inevitable," he said.

He reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding every penny of the public's money, saying, "We will do whatever it takes to protect every penny of the public's money."

The meeting concluded with PM Shehbaz calling for the development of a clear plan for reforms and improvements within the FBR, signalling his dedication to strengthening the nation's tax system.