MUZAFFARABAD: In a step toward digital governance in Azad Kashmir, (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) preparations for the launch of an online motor vehicle registration system have reached their final stage. This initiative, spearheaded by Chairman Central Board of Revenue (CBR) Chaudhry Raqeeb, aims to modernize the vehicle registration and tax payment system, ensuring convenience for vehicle owners across the region.
To advance the project, Deputy Commissioner Excise (Mirpur Circle) Ali Asghar Bukhari has traveled to Lahore to receive a comprehensive briefing on the online database and data center infrastructure at the Punjab IT Board headquarters in Arfa Karim Tower.
Punjab IT Board Briefs Azad Kashmir Excise Authorities
During the visit, Punjab IT Board (PITB) project in-charge provided a detailed briefing to Ali Asghar Bukhari on the vehicle registration process, token tax payment system, and overall data security protocols. Following the session, he was given a tour of the data center, where the PITB team showcased their digital infrastructure for vehicle registration and tax collection.
In alignment with CBR Azad Kashmir’s directives, the Inland Revenue Department of Azad Kashmir is actively working on a digital strategy to facilitate online registration and tax payments. Once implemented, vehicle owners in Azad Kashmir will be able to register their vehicles and pay taxes from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices.
Collaboration with Punjab IT Board to Strengthen Digital Tax Reforms
This initiative follows a meeting held last week at Kashmir House, where a delegation from the Punjab IT Board met with Commissioner Inland Revenue South, Syed Ansar Ali, to discuss the implementation of online vehicle registration. Additionally, a PITB delegation is set to visit Mirpur soon to assess the Inland Revenue Department’s preparations for this advanced digital transformation project.
A Major Step Towards Digital Tax Reforms in Azad Kashmir
Under the directive of Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, the CBR and Inland Revenue Department have been working to digitize the region’s tax system. Their recent initiatives include:
- Integration of the Point of Sale (POS) system in major retail brands.
- Preventing double taxation on major industries through a data integration agreement with Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
- Online submission of sales tax returns, enhancing transparency and compliance.
- Upcoming launch of a dedicated POS mobile application for seamless tax transactions.
The Kashmiri diaspora, businesses, and international stakeholders should closely follow these reforms as they impact economic development, business efficiency, and transparency in governance. Digitalization is the future, and Azad Kashmir is now making bold moves to align itself with the global digital economy.