PRA revenue increases 33pc, collects Rs149.5bn during 1H FY2025-26

LAHORE: The recent performance of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is a clear reflection that the provincial government is moving in the right direction of financial discipline, transparency, and tax reforms

Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman expressed these views during his visit to the Punjab Revenue Authority Headquarters the other day where he was given a detailed briefing on PRA’s overall performance for the ongoing fiscal year by Chairman Punjab Revenue Authority Muazzam Iqbal Sappra.

During the first half of the fiscal year 2025–26, the PRA recorded collections of Rs149.5 billion, registering a significant 33 percent increase which marks a major achievement for the Authority, the Minister remarked. The PRA chairman informed the minister that if the PRA continues to progress with the same pace and strategy, it will not only achieve its assigned targets by the end of the fiscal year but will also set new records in tax collection.

He also briefed the finance minister on the ongoing measures aimed at expanding the revenue base across various service sectors, including banking, insurance, restaurants, hotels, property development, construction, franchise services, food delivery platforms, stock brokerage, and transportation. It was shared during the briefing that these initiatives are expected to generate additional revenues amounting to billions of rupees.

Addressing the meeting, the Finance Minister stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the government’s focus is on expanding the tax net, enhancing transparency, and eliminating all avenues of tax evasion rather than imposing new taxes. He emphasized that the PRA must further improve its performance through effective enforcement, data-based monitoring, and institutional reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth coupled with good governance in the province.

He remarked that increased revenue generation serves as the backbone of the Punjab government’s development agenda. He added that improved financial resources would directly benefit the public in the form of better education, healthcare, social protection, and infrastructure. “This is the foundation upon which a strong and self-reliant Punjab can be built,” he said.

The minister also appreciated the ongoing organizational reforms within the Punjab Revenue Authority, including the establishment of a large taxpayer’s office, creation of audit and vigilance wings, new recruitments, and amendments to service rules.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring recovery of outstanding dues and future compliance through close coordination with federal institutions and provincial departments.