Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced on March 14, 2025, that it has agreed to monitor industrial production to meet an International Monetary Fund (IMF) demand. This step fulfills a key IMF condition, enhancing oversight and compliance.
The FBR will use electronic video surveillance and “digital eye” software to track goods production. A central control unit will relay real-time data, ensuring no unmonitored goods leave factories. Violations will face legal action based on production records, the FBR stated.
Licensed vendors will install and upgrade monitoring equipment at business sites, charging a fee for the service. The FBR amended the Sales Tax Rules of 2006 via a notification to roll out this Pakistan IMF monitoring system, aligning with global fiscal standards.
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Recently, Pakistan and the IMF cut the tax target by Rs600 billion after the FBR boosted the tax-to-GDP ratio. This deal, averting a mini-budget, reflects strategic fiscal tweaks, sources confirmed, showcasing improved economic coordination.
The Pakistan IMF monitoring initiative strengthens industrial transparency and supports IMF-backed reforms. It signals Pakistan’s commitment to fiscal discipline and could potentially stabilize its economy amid international scrutiny.