ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a crackdown on tax evaders and recovery of outstanding dues, Pakistani state media reported on Tuesday, amid the government’s efforts to shore up revenues.

The prime minister issued the directives at a meeting on the Federal Board of Revenue-related matters, during which he called for a public awareness campaign regarding government measures against tax evasion.

Pakistan has lately introduced several reforms to ensure economic stability and to meet structural benchmarks under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program Islamabad secured last year.

The South Asian country has one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the region, despite a population of more than 240 million, and has often failed to meet its collection targets.

“Shehbaz Sharif asked the FBR to foster a business-friendly environment and ensure the provision of all possible facilities to taxpayers. He also directed the hiring of professionals to identify tax evaders and recover dues from them,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.

“He stressed the importance of leveraging both FBR’s internal resources and private sector expertise to detect individuals and companies involved in tax evasion.”

In June, Sharif’s government set a record-high tax collection target of Rs14.13 trillion ($47.4 billion) for the fiscal year 2025–26, marking a 9 percent increase from the previous year. Officials say meeting this goal is essential to reducing reliance on external debt and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability.

Since then, the prime minister has approved modern digital ecosystem for the FBR to increase its collection and the launch of simplified digital tax returns to increase compliance and widen the country’s narrow tax base.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Sharif also asked officials to expedite the completion of an income and sales taxpayer directory, aimed at recognizing and honoring responsible taxpayers.

“Responsible citizens who regularly pay taxes are the backbone of the national economy,” he was quoted as saying. “Acknowledging taxpayers and taking firm action against tax evaders would contribute significantly to broadening the tax base.”