Pakistan Moves to Tax Social Media Income with New 5% Levy Proposal
As Pakistan’s digital economy continues to expand, the government is taking steps to bring online earnings under a more structured taxation framework. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has approved a proposal to introduce a 5% tax on income generated through social media platforms, targeting content creators, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs. The proposal was reviewed […]
NTC and Pakistan Single Window Join Hands to Modernize Trade and Tariff Management
Pakistan has taken another important step toward digital transformation in the trade sector as the National Tariff Commission (NTC) and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) have signed a strategic agreement to automate and digitize key tariff and trade-related processes. The initiative is expected to improve efficiency, strengthen trade governance, and support the competitiveness of local industries. […]
Can Digital Reforms Deliver Rs5.5 Trillion? FBR Bets on Documentation to Transform Pakistan’s Tax System
Pakistan’s tax authorities are preparing for one of the most ambitious revenue expansion efforts in recent years. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) believes that a combination of digital transformation, improved documentation and broader tax compliance could generate an additional Rs5.5 trillion in revenue over time. The strategy reflects a shift away from simply imposing […]
SBP Holds Policy Rate at 11.5% as Inflation Pressures Persist
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to keep its key policy rate unchanged at 11.5%, signaling a cautious approach as inflationary pressures continue to challenge the economy. The decision was announced following the latest meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which reviewed recent economic developments and assessed risks to growth and price […]
Budget 2026-27: Pakistan Pursues Higher Tax Revenue While Introducing Relief for Workers and Investors
Pakistan’s federal government has outlined an ambitious fiscal strategy for the upcoming financial year, aiming to significantly increase tax revenues while offering targeted incentives to salaried individuals, businesses, and the real estate sector. The Finance Bill 2026-27 presents a mix of stricter tax enforcement measures and selective tax reductions, reflecting the government’s effort to strengthen […]
PTBA Seeks Greater Clarity on Government’s Proposed Fixed Tax Scheme for Small Traders
The proposed Fixed Tax Scheme (FTS) for small traders, unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has sparked discussion within Pakistan’s tax community. While the initiative has been welcomed as a step toward expanding the country’s tax net and encouraging undocumented businesses to enter the formal economy, tax experts believe several aspects of the plan require […]
NEC Convenes to Shape Pakistan’s Economic Agenda Ahead of Budget Announcement
Pakistan’s economic planning process entered a crucial phase on Wednesday as the National Economic Council (NEC) met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the country’s development priorities and economic goals for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting, which had been delayed multiple times over the past few weeks, brings together […]
Pakistan Moves Toward Duty-Free Defence Imports from July 2026
Pakistan is preparing to introduce a major policy change that could reduce the cost of defense procurement by eliminating customs duties on military imports. The proposal, recently endorsed by the Tariff Policy Board (TPB), aims to exempt defense-related imports from the existing 15 percent customs duty beginning July 1, 2026. The recommendation follows directions issued […]
FBR Reshuffles Senior Leadership to Boost Tax Collection and Reform Efforts
As Pakistan prepares for another challenging fiscal year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken a significant administrative step by assigning additional responsibilities to 27 senior Inland Revenue Service officers. The move is aimed at strengthening tax administration, improving operational efficiency, and supporting the country’s revenue collection goals. The temporary appointments come at a […]
SECP Cracks Down on State-Owned Enterprises Over Reporting and Governance Lapses
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has intensified its regulatory oversight of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), imposing fines and issuing warnings against organizations that failed to comply with legal reporting and governance requirements. The latest enforcement action resulted in penalties totaling Rs3.175 million against 36 state-owned entities. The fines were issued through 46 adjudication […]
Punjab Recovers State Land Worth Rs433 Billion in Major Anti-Encroachment Drive
In a significant step toward protecting public assets, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Punjab Board of Revenue have successfully reclaimed thousands of kanals of government-owned land that had been under illegal occupation. The recovered land, spread across various districts of Punjab, is estimated to be worth around Rs433 billion. The large-scale recovery campaign […]
Pakistan Needs Growth-Oriented Reforms, Not More Pressure on Taxpayers
As Pakistan prepares to unveil its upcoming federal budget, the debate over taxation and economic reforms has once again come into focus. Business leaders are urging policymakers to avoid placing additional financial burdens on already compliant taxpayers and instead focus on expanding the country’s tax net and encouraging economic growth. The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) […]
SECP Introduces IPO Reforms to Open Capital Markets for More Businesses
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has unveiled a set of regulatory changes aimed at making it easier for established businesses to enter the capital market and raise funds through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). The amendments, made to the Public Offering Regulations, 2017, are expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses that have […]
Pakistan Refineries Boost Output, but Weak Fuel Demand Creates Inventory Pressure
Pakistan’s refining sector witnessed a significant increase in production during May 2026, yet fuel sales failed to keep pace, highlighting growing demand-side challenges for the industry. According to industry data, refinery production climbed by 22.5% year-on-year to 1.01 million tonnes in May. The increase was driven by stronger output across key petroleum products, including diesel, […]
Pakistan Eyes Higher Economic Growth, But Faces Tough Choices on Development Spending
Pakistan’s economy is expected to continue its recovery journey in the upcoming fiscal year, with the government projecting economic growth of 3.7% in FY2025-26. However, despite the positive outlook, authorities are grappling with a significant challenge: limited financial resources against a growing list of development priorities. Speaking at the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) meeting, […]
Pakistan’s Auditor General Revamps Audit Reporting After Major Financial Figure Controversy
The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has introduced a new system for preparing annual audit reports after last year’s controversy involving the publication of alleged financial irregularities worth Rs375 trillion. The incident sparked nationwide criticism and raised concerns about the credibility of the country’s audit process. To prevent similar situations in the future, the AGP […]
Government Plans EFS Reforms to Stop Tax Abuse and Protect Formal Industries
The federal government is preparing possible reforms to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) as part of the upcoming FY2026-27 budget, aiming to tackle the alleged misuse of tax exemptions and invoice trading in local markets. Officials are reviewing several proposals designed to improve transparency, strengthen tax collection, and support documented industries that claim they are […]
Pakistan Pushes for Greater Trade Access in New China FTA Talks
Pakistan is preparing to request major trade concessions from China as discussions begin on the third phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA). The move is part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to boost exports, reduce its growing trade deficit, and secure better market access for Pakistani industries. According to reports, Pakistani officials are expected […]
K-Electric’s Sales Tax Registration Suspended by FBR Amid Consumer Concerns
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has temporarily suspended the sales tax registration of K-Electric, creating concern among businesses and electricity consumers across Pakistan. The update became visible on the FBR’s online taxpayer portal, where the utility’s sales tax status was marked suspended effective May 20, 2026. However, K-Electric’s income tax registration remains active, indicating […]
Pakistan’s Mobile Phone Assembly Sees Sharp Decline in April 2026
Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector experienced a noticeable slowdown in April 2026, as local handset assembly dropped significantly compared to the previous month. Fresh figures released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) show that domestic production activity weakened after a strong performance in March. According to industry data, local companies assembled or manufactured around 1.81 […]