rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao.

MIRPUR (AJK), Feb 22: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Minister for Finance and Inland Revenue Chaudhry Qasim Majeed Chaudhry has termed the launch of the AJK POS Invoicing System, IRIS Modules, Tax Asan Mobile App and BI Revenue Dashboard a “revolutionary and historic step” toward modern, transparent and technology-driven tax governance in the state.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Tax Asan Mobile App and BI Revenue Collection/IT Dashboard hosted by the Inland Revenue Department, the minister said the government is committed to establishing a transparent, user-friendly and world-class tax system through effective use of digital tools. He congratulated the Inland Revenue Department, particularly Commissioner Inland Revenue South Zone Syed Ansar Ali and his IT team, for successfully implementing the digital initiatives within a short timeframe.

Qasim Majeed described the new systems as comprehensive, integrated and future-oriented reforms that will strengthen revenue management, expand the tax net and enhance transparency. He noted that the Inland Revenue Department remains the highest revenue-generating institution of the AJK government and has been assigned a target of Rs 85 billion for the current fiscal year, expressing confidence the department will achieve it.

He said POS installation has been completed in the South Zone and urged early implementation in the North Zone to ensure uniformity in tax collection. Emphasizing civic responsibility, the minister stated that citizens expecting public services must also fulfill tax obligations, adding that no country can achieve sustainable development without transparent and efficient revenue collection.

Highlighting broader economic measures, the minister said the government is taking practical steps to promote industrial growth and economic development in AJK. The Mirpur Dry Port project is nearing completion, while efforts are underway to upgrade the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir into a scheduled bank. He urged industrialists to deposit funds in the bank to strengthen its status and capacity.

He assured investors and industrialists of full government support and respect, while making it clear that tax evasion and production of counterfeit goods would not be tolerated. “Industries paying taxes regularly will not face unnecessary harassment,” he said, directing Inland Revenue officials to perform duties in good faith and avoid undue pressure on taxpayers. He also pledged to address promotion issues of departmental employees.

Secretary Inland Revenue and Chairman Central Board of Revenue Chaudhry Abdul Rehman outlined the department’s ongoing digitalization drive, expansion of the tax base, revenue growth and improved governance through technology. He said the newly launched digital platforms will enable real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making and efficient tax administration across the state.

Commissioner Inland Revenue North Zone Basil Siddique and Commissioner South Zone Syed Ansar Ali thanked participants and described the initiatives as a major milestone toward full digitalization of the tax system and establishment of modern financial governance in AJK. They emphasized that the reforms would strengthen transparency, improve revenue performance and promote cooperation between the tax department and business community.

President Mirpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Umar Shahzad Jaral welcomed the Inland Revenue Department’s digital reforms, calling them positive and business-friendly. He assured the chamber’s full cooperation in expanding the tax net and facilitating adoption of the new systems among traders and industrialists.

The ceremony was attended by President District Bar Association Babar Ali Khan Advocate, Deputy Director Faizullah, Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Syed Ali Asghar, business leaders, industrialists, civil society representatives, media personnel and Inland Revenue officials from across AJK. Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Chaudhry Muhammad Mahmood Alam conducted proceedings, while a large number of departmental staff participated.

Officials said the integrated digital initiatives—including POS invoicing, mobile tax services and BI dashboards—will provide a comprehensive and future-ready direction to AJK’s revenue system, ensuring transparency, efficiency and sustainable financial governance in the region.