ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb Friday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to further intensify their efforts and double down on initiatives aimed at deepening and widening the tax net.
He also emphasised that better tax compliance and enforcement measures is the only sustainable way to ease the tax burden on the formal sector.
Aurangzeb, has lauded the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) field formations for achieving the highest tax collection ever recorded in the month of December, describing the December 2025 performance as a strong validation of the government’s fiscal reform agenda and sustained focus on compliance, enforcement, and digitisation.
Addressing Team FBR and field formations via a video link conference, the Finance Minister stated, “The progress made over the last 18 months is remarkable, and the December 2025 collection is extremely encouraging.” He emphasized that the government’s strategy of digitizing the economy, promoting cashless transactions, and strengthening enforcement while maintaining business momentum has begun to deliver tangible and sustainable results.
READ MORE: Aurangzeb briefed about digitisation processes of FBR
Reflecting this policy direction and administrative resolve, the Federal Board of Revenue collected Rs 1,427.1 billion in December 2025, achieving 99 percent of its monthly target of Rs 1,446 billion. This performance represents the highest revenue collection for the month of December in any year, underscoring improved tax compliance and effective enforcement across the system.
The Inland Revenue Service (IRS) demonstrated outstanding performance by achieving 99.8 percent of its target, collecting Rs 1,308 billion against a target of Rs 1,310 billion.
On a month-on-month basis, revenue collection surged by 59 percent, rising from Rs 898 billion in November to Rs 1,427.1 billion in December. This growth was broad-based across all major tax heads. Income tax collection more than doubled, increasing by 107 percent, from Rs 402 billion in November to Rs 831.5 billion in December. Sales tax collection rose by 25 percent to Rs 403.7 billion, while Federal Excise Duty (FED) increased by 6 percent to Rs 72.8 billion. Customs duty collection also grew by 15 percent, reaching Rs 118.9 billion.
Under the continuous oversight of the FBR Board and in line with the Finance Ministry’s reform roadmap, these results reflect a decisive shift toward stronger compliance, improved enforcement, and institutional accountability, reinforcing confidence in the government’s commitment to sustainable revenue growth.
The Finance Minister expressed confidence that Team FBR, through continued diligence, professionalism, and effective enforcement, would play a pivotal role in achieving this critical national objective.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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