By ABDULLAH 
In a significant move to strengthen tax compliance and transparency, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the launch of a comprehensive field audit across 42 major industries in Pakistan. To execute this large-scale initiative, the FBR will appoint 102 specialized audit experts, each with domain-specific expertise in the targeted sectors.
The audit drive will cover a diverse range of industries, including:
Automotive, Aviation, Banking, Beverages, Cement, Ceramics, Chemicals, Coal, Departmental Stores, Edible Oil, Education, Electronics, Feed, Fertilizer, Flour Mills, Food Importers, IT, Manufacturing, Batteries, Copper Manufacturing, Mobile Manufacturing, Paper, Chipboard & Packaging, Plastics, Poultry, Power, Real Estate, Restaurants & Marquees, Rice Mills, Services, Sugar, Tea, Telecom, Textile, and Tobacco.
According to FBR officials, the first phase will focus on 17 high-priority sectors with high revenue potential and urgent compliance requirements. These include:
- Automobile
- Textile
- Iron & Steel
- Independent Power Producers (IPPs) & Distribution Companies (DISCOs)
- Pharmaceuticals
- Finance & Insurance
- Banking
- Sugar
- Chemicals & Fertilizers
- Real Estate/Builders & Developers
- Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants
- Cement
- Telecommunication
- Tobacco
The FBR has tasked Human Resource firms with identifying and vetting highly qualified audit mentors and sector experts. A Selection Committee will then review the shortlisted candidates, conducting assessments either in person or virtually, to ensure the appointment of the most suitable professionals.
Officials state that this initiative is designed to address revenue leakages, enforce compliance, and enhance transparency in Pakistan’s leading economic sectors. By deploying industry-specific experts, the FBR aims to conduct thorough, sector-tailored audits that will help improve oversight and maximize tax recovery.
This marks one of the largest audit operations in recent years, signaling the government’s commitment to tax reforms, accountability, and improved governance in the country’s economic framework.