The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has taken a significant step towards modernizing its tax infrastructure by unveiling a comprehensive digital invoicing system. This new platform is designed to streamline tax collection processes, enhance transparency, and bring the region’s taxation framework in line with contemporary technological standards. The launch event, held in Mirpur, was organized by the Inland Revenue Department and marked a milestone in AJK’s efforts to digitize its fiscal operations.
The innovative system comprises several key components, including a Point of Sale (POS) invoicing system, IRIS modules, a mobile application called Tax Asan, and a Business Intelligence (BI) Revenue Dashboard. Together, these tools aim to create an integrated ecosystem that facilitates easier tax compliance for businesses and individuals while providing the government with real-time data to monitor revenue streams more effectively. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to adopting technology-driven solutions to improve governance and accountability within the region.
Finance and Inland Revenue Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed described the launch as a “revolutionary and historic” transformation for AJK’s tax regime. He emphasized that the government is dedicated to establishing a taxation system that is not only user-friendly but also aligned with international best practices. The minister highlighted that these digitized tools are comprehensive and forward-looking, designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and ensure a more transparent fiscal environment. He further noted that this modernization would play a crucial role in expanding the tax base and enhancing compliance across the territory.
Joining the minister at the ceremony were key officials such as Secretary Inland Revenue and Chairman of the Central Board of Revenue Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, along with Commissioners Basil Siddique for the North Zone and Syed Ansar Ali for the South Zone. They collectively underscored the importance of these digital innovations in improving revenue monitoring and enforcement. The officials expressed optimism that the new systems would help broaden the taxpayer base and facilitate more efficient tax administration, which is vital for the region’s economic development.
Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed also revealed that the Inland Revenue Department, which serves as the largest revenue-generating entity within the AJK government, has been assigned an ambitious target of Rs.85 billion for the current fiscal year. He expressed confidence that with the deployment of these digital tools and uniform tax policies across both the North and South Zones, the department would successfully achieve this goal. The rollout of POS systems has already been completed in the South Zone, with the North Zone implementation currently underway, signaling a phased but steady approach to full digitization.
Highlighting the broader significance of transparent tax collection, the minister asserted that no nation can achieve sustainable progress without a clean and accountable revenue system. He urged both citizens and business communities to fulfill their fiscal responsibilities diligently, emphasizing that tax compliance is a shared duty essential for the region’s prosperity. Additionally, the minister announced that the establishment of the Mirpur Dry Port is nearing completion, which is expected to boost trade and logistics capabilities in AJK.
Further plans include upgrading the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir into a scheduled bank, a move aimed at strengthening the region’s financial sector. The government is also committed to promoting industrial growth, reviving struggling enterprises, and protecting the interests and dignity of investors. However, the administration made it clear that it will take strict action against counterfeit manufacturing and tax evasion to maintain the integrity of the economic system.
The business community has welcomed these reforms enthusiastically. Umar Shahzad Jaral, President of the Mirpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the government’s efforts as progressive and practical. He expressed strong support for the digital transformation of the tax system and pledged full cooperation from the business sector to help build a transparent and efficient revenue collection framework. This collaborative approach between the government and private sector is expected to foster a more conducive environment for economic growth and development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
