MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani on Tuesday directed the region’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to adopt an effective strategy to meet its revenue targets and expand the tax net.
He also called for a simpler, more transparent, taxpayer-friendly tax system to minimise difficulties for citizens and businesses. Mr Gillani issued the directives while presiding over an IRD meeting that reviewed revenue collection, progress towards targets, expansion of the tax base, and other departmental matters.
The meeting was attended by Inland Revenue Secretary and Central Board of Revenue (CBR) Chairman Younis Mir, Inland Revenue Commissioners North Basil Siddique and South Syed Anser Ali, CBR Secretary Dr Shazia Habib and other relevant officials.
Gillani orders strict food safety checks
“Improvement in revenue collection is essential for increasing state resources and ensuring financial stability, while taxpayers must also be provided maximum facilities,” the prime minister said.
He stressed the need for greater transparency, better monitoring and improved administrative efficiency in tax-related matters.
Food safety laws
Separately, while presiding over a meeting of the Food Department, he directed the AJK Food Authority to be fully operational and strengthened, saying any compromise on public health was unacceptable and those violating food safety laws should face strict non-discriminatory action.
The AJK premier called for strengthening the authority’s inspection and monitoring system and ensuring visible action in the field to maintain the quality of food items, while cautioning officials against any injustice. “I want an active Food Authority whose action and results are visible,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Food Secretary Shahid Ayub, Food Authority Director General Abdul Hameed Kiani and other officials. The prime minister was briefed on the performance of the Food Department and Food Authority, the existing inspection system, and plans to improve it.
Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2026