‘Excise dept surpasses Rs50bn target first time in history’

LAHORE:The Punjab Excise and Taxation Department first time in the history has surpassed the annual revenue target of Rs50billion by collecting Rs50.6billion till date.

According to the official communique of the Excise and Taxation Department, the following the positive trajectory of collecting the Rs50billion revenue target, the department has fixed an upwards revised target of Rs55billon. In a major fiscal breakthrough, the department has achieved a historic milestone by successfully surpassing its revenue target of Rs50billion for the first time in its history.

The department has recorded a recovery of Rs50.6billion so far, with a revised target of Rs55billion set for the end of the current fiscal year. This unprecedented increase in revenue collection reflects the department’s effective policies, the use of modern digital tools, collaborative teamwork and a transparent operational strategy. The department has registered an over 30 percent year-on-year increase in tax collections, demonstrating its professional efficiency and commitment.

To review progress and future goals, Director General M Umer Sher chaired a conference of regional directors across Punjab, conducted via video link. The meeting included detailed briefings on tax recovery, field assignments and annual performance targets.

PRA records 17pc growth

The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has demonstrated impressive performance during the current fiscal year, collecting Rs240.588 billion in taxes by May 2025—reflecting a 17 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

With an average annual revenue growth of 20 percent, the authority continues to show encouraging results. However, significant untapped potential remains, which can be realised through expanding the tax net and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.

These remarks were made by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman during a performance review meeting of the Punjab Revenue Authority. Addressing the session, the finance minister announced that the Punjab government will present the budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on June 16. He emphasised that in the upcoming financial year, resources will be allocated to strengthen PRA’s institutional capacity and maximize its revenue potential. The minister stated that district-level offices of the PRA will be made more efficient and proactive to support the expansion of the tax base.