ISLAMABAD – The World Bank has invited Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to present its transformation journey as a global case study in public sector reform during the Annual Meetings held in Washington, D.C.
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, and other senior officials attended the event. The Finance Minister described how Pakistan rebuilt its tax system under direct guidance from the Prime Minister, focusing on reforms in people, processes, and technology.
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He noted that the plan is homegrown, fully supported by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, and already showing strong results — including a major turnaround in revenue performance.
Chairman Langrial shared that Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 8.83% in FY 2023–24 to 10.33% in FY 2024–25 — the largest single-year improvement in 23 years. He credited the progress to a data-driven, transparent, and efficient approach.
The FBR’s new digital tax system, IRIS 3.0, was also previewed. The platform will simplify tax filing with pre-filled data and automated workflows, making compliance easier for citizens.
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The World Bank session featured interactive discussions with global delegates. Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk praised Pakistan’s “powerful and practical” reform model, saying it could serve as a template for other nations.
Officials emphasized that Pakistan’s success stemmed from strong political ownership, cross-government coordination, and a balance between digital tools and structural reforms.
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World Bank Regional Director Sandeep Mahajan commended Pakistan’s “globally relevant” achievement, calling it a strong example for South-South learning on domestic resource mobilization.
The session ended with applause, marking global recognition of Pakistan’s progress toward a transparent and citizen-centered tax administration.