FBR cancels Saturday holiday to meet revenue targets

ISLAMABAD: In a move to intensify revenue collection efforts, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Friday announced the cancellation of the weekly Saturday holiday for all its field formations.

The decision is part of a broader strategy to meet the revenue collection target set for the fiscal year 2024–25.

A formal directive has been issued to all chief commissioners, instructing them to ensure strict adherence to official working hours and treat Saturdays as regular working days.

According to the FBR, all field offices across the country will remain operational on Saturday, June 25, 2025, as part of the renewed push to enhance tax collection and close the growing shortfall.

Read more: FBR amends sales tax rules to curb evasion, regulate retailers under IMF condition

The FBR also urged its field formations to adopt a comprehensive strategy focused on maximizing revenue streams.

This includes proactive engagement with taxpayers, enhanced enforcement, and improved compliance mechanisms.

It is worth noting that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently permitted Pakistan to revise its annual tax target downward from Rs12,970 billion to Rs12,370 billion for the current fiscal year.

Despite the revision, the FBR continues to face significant pressure, as its revenue shortfall for the first nine months of FY25 has already reached Rs700 billion.