Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Forms High-Level Committee to Review Budget 2025 Amendments Amid Concerns

Islamabad: In response to growing concerns over proposed amendments in the Finance Bill (Budget) 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a high-powered committee to reassess the changes and address stakeholder reservations. According to a leading private newspaper, the committee includes key federal officials such as the Minister for Law, the Minister for Economic Affairs, and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

FBR Chairman confirmed that the committee, under the leadership of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, will conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed amendments and submit its recommendations to the Prime Minister in the near future.

Addressing the concerns surrounding tax enforcement, the FBR Chairman explained that investigations into tax fraud will now fall under the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898. The proposed revisions aim to introduce greater transparency and restraint in the arrest process—allowing arrests only upon approval from a Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

To further safeguard against misuse of authority, he added that any arrest deemed to be made in bad faith will be referred to the Chief Commissioner for review. These reforms, he stressed, are designed to protect honest taxpayers while taking firm action against fraudulent actors.

The committee will also present recommendations on preventing potential misuse of power by tax officials, ensuring that accountability mechanisms are strengthened within the tax enforcement system.