Rs10 Billion Approved to Support Pakistan’s Textile and Export Industries
Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has approved Rs10 billion in funding for the textile, apparel, and other export-oriented industries under various duty drawback and technology-upgradation schemes. The move is aimed at easing financial pressures on exporters, improving industrial liquidity, and helping businesses invest in modern technology to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Government Moves to […]
A New Chapter in Accountability: Pakistan Moves to Reform NAB Appointments
Pakistan is preparing for a significant shift in how it manages accountability and anti-corruption oversight. Under fresh reform commitments tied to the International Monetary Fund programmed, the country plans to redesign the appointment process of the head of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The goal is simple but crucial: make the system more transparent, independent, […]
FBR Calls Out Lax Handling of Foreign Petroleum Case: A Push for Accountability
Pakistan’s tax administration is once again under the spotlight as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) raises serious concerns over how a complaint involving a foreign petroleum firm was handled by the Corporate Tax Office Islamabad. The development highlights deeper issues around procedural discipline, accountability, and the importance of maintaining credibility in the eyes of […]
Islamabad High Court Clarifies Tax Treatment of Property Sale Gains
A recent ruling by the Islamabad High Court has brought much-needed clarity to how gains from the sale of immovable property should be taxed in Pakistan. The decision settles an ongoing debate by confirming that such gains fall strictly under the specific capital gains provision of the tax law, rather than being treated as general […]
Digital Transformation at the Heart of FBR’s Reform Vision
Pakistan’s tax system is undergoing a significant shift, and digitalization is at the center of this transformation. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial has reiterated that technology-driven reforms are no longer optional but essential for building an efficient, transparent, and accountable tax administration. Speaking during a briefing session at the FBR headquarters […]
Why Claiming “I Never Got the Notice” Won’t Protect You from FBR Action
A large number of taxpayers believe that tax proceedings can be avoided simply by ignoring notices from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) or by later claiming that the notice was never received. Pakistan’s tax framework, however, leaves little room for such arguments. The law recognize multiple ways through which tax notices can be validly […]
FBR Steps Up Efforts to Meet Revised Tax Targets Amid Revenue Shortfall
As Pakistan navigates the second half of fiscal year 2025–26, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified its efforts to close the gap between assigned tax targets and actual collections. A high-level meeting chaired by FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial brought together senior officials from Inland Revenue and Customs to chart a practical roadmap […]
Senior FBR Officer Penalized After Misconduct Inquiry
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has enforced disciplinary measures against a senior Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officer after an internal investigation confirmed serious lapses in performance and conduct. Acting on the Prime Minister’s directions, the officer has been temporarily demoted as part of the penalty. Muhammad Asim Khattak, who was posted as Chief (Admin […]
Revenue Shortfall Persists as FBR Struggles to Meet Tax Targets
Pakistan’s tax authority, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), continues to face difficulties in meeting its revenue goals, reporting a tax collection gap of over Rs335 billion in the first half of the ongoing fiscal year. The shortfall underscores persistent challenges in achieving fiscal targets amid a slowing economy and compliance issues. Data from official […]
FBR Expands Tax Review of Exporters Following Income Reporting Red Flags
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has significantly widened its tax enforcement net by ordering a comprehensive review of tax records for more than 480 of Pakistan’s top exporting companies. The decision has triggered unease within the export sector, which fears increased regulatory pressure at a challenging economic moment. The directive, issued on December 30 […]
Crackdown on Sugar Industry: FBR Seals Mills Over Tax Irregularities
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified its enforcement drive in the sugar sector by sealing two sugar mills in Central Punjab after uncovering serious breaches of tax laws. The action was taken following a report submitted by an intelligence agency, pointing to large-scale non-compliance and regulatory violations. In a significant move to ensure […]
FBR Strengthens Tax Awareness Through Digital Outreach to Businesses
In an effort to make tax compliance easier and more accessible, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is stepping up its engagement with Pakistan’s business community. By focusing on online tax return filing and voluntary compliance, the FBR aims to simplify tax procedures and encourage businesses to become part of the documented economy. As part […]
FBR Takes Firm Action Against Negligence in Sugar Mill Monitoring
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has once again signaled that it means business when it comes to discipline and accountability. In a recent move, the tax authority suspended six officials who were found absent from their assigned duties at sugar mills without proper authorization. These officials had been deployed under Section 40B of the […]
Questions Raised Over FBR’s Accountability After Ignoring FTO Directive
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing renewed scrutiny after its Inland Revenue (Operations) Wing failed to comply with a lawful order issued by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in a case involving a corporate taxpayer. The incident has sparked concerns about compliance, transparency, and respect for oversight within the tax administration. According to […]
FBR to Take Tough Action Against Online Sale of Smuggled Goods
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing to launch a comprehensive enforcement drive targeting the sale of smuggled and non-duty-paid goods being marketed through social media platforms. The initiative reflects the authority’s growing focus on curbing illegal trade in the digital marketplace. According to sources within the tax authority, the campaign will officially begin […]
Punjab Sales Tax on Hotel and Restaurant Services: What Changes from July 2025?
From 1 July 2025, Punjab’s sales tax rules for hotels and restaurants will be applied more broadly under the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012. The revised framework removes ambiguity around tax coverage, introduces incentives for digital payments, and sets clearer compliance expectations for businesses operating in the hospitality sector. This article breaks down […]
FBR Keeps Offices Open to Help Taxpayers Meet Year-End Deadlines
As the year draws to a close, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken an important step to support taxpayers and ensure smooth revenue collection. To accommodate the rush typically seen at the end of December, the FBR has decided to keep its offices open beyond regular schedules. According to an official notification, the […]
Why Salary Tax Is Deducted at Source in Pakistan
Many salaried individuals in Pakistan notice that income tax is deducted from their salary before it is credited to their bank account. This practice often raises questions, especially among new taxpayers. The reason behind this system lies in Pakistan’s tax laws, specifically Section 149 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which makes salary tax deduction […]
Federal Tax Ombudsman Shuts Six Regional Offices in Organizational Overhaul
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has taken a significant step toward administrative reorganization by closing six of its regional offices across Pakistan. The decision is part of an internal restructuring plan aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational overlap. Officials have confirmed that the regional offices in Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Abbottabad are […]
Tax Recovery in FY2026: Why Third Parties May Be on FBR’s Radar
Pakistan’s tax enforcement landscape is expected to become more aggressive in the upcoming fiscal year, with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) increasingly using its legal authority to recover unpaid taxes through third parties. This means that individuals or organizations holding money for tax defaulters—sometimes without even realizing it—could be required to pay outstanding tax […]