UK Aviation Security Team Visits Pakistan to Review Airport Safety for Direct Flights
A team of aviation security experts from the United Kingdom has arrived in Pakistan to assess security measures at two of the country’s busiest international airports. The visit is part of an ongoing review of safety standards for direct flights operating between Pakistan and the UK. The inspection highlights the importance both countries place on […]
Interior Ministry Faces Highest Number of Audit Observations in AGP Report
The latest audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has placed the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control at the top of the list for audit observations among federal ministries. The comprehensive 399-page report highlights 65 audit objections, raising concerns over financial recoveries, licensing procedures, procurement practices, and administrative compliance. Significant Financial Recoveries […]
FIA Investigates Go Petroleum in Alleged Multi-Billion Rupee Tax and Duty Evasion Case
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has opened an investigation into Go Petroleum and several of its senior officials over allegations of illegally selling bonded petroleum products before clearing the required customs duties, taxes, and petroleum levies. Authorities believe the alleged violations may have caused losses worth billions of rupees to Pakistan’s national treasury. The case […]
Pakistan’s Finance Act 2026: What the New Tax Measures Mean for Businesses and Consumers
Pakistan has officially entered a new fiscal chapter with the approval of the Finance Act 2026. After receiving presidential assent, the law will come into effect on July 1, 2026, introducing tax and policy reforms valued at approximately Rs1.02 trillion. The government expects these measures to play a key role in achieving its ambitious revenue […]
Pakistan’s Audit Report Exposes Massive Revenue Gaps and Financial Management Challenges
The latest audit report presented to Parliament has revealed a series of financial shortcomings across several government departments and public sector organizations, raising important questions about revenue collection, accountability, and the management of public funds. According to the Auditor General of Pakistan’s Report 2025-26, billions of rupees remain either uncollected, unrecovered, or improperly accounted for […]
Government’s Ownership in PPL Rises Following Share Transfer
The Government of Pakistan has increased its direct ownership in Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) after a substantial block of shares previously held by an employee trust was transferred to the state. The move has raised the government’s shareholding in the company from 67.51% to 74.86%, strengthening its position as the majority stakeholder. According to a […]
Government Removes 20% Excise Duty on Low-Sugar Hydration Drinks
In a move aimed at encouraging healthier beverage choices and supporting the drinks industry, the government has decided to remove the 20% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on selected low-sugar hydration beverages under the Finance Bill 2026. The revised policy applies to mineral water, aerated water, electrolyte beverages, and hydration drinks that contain no more than […]
PSX Rally Loses Steam Despite Optimism Over US-Iran Diplomatic Progress
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) kicked off the week with strong momentum as investors welcomed signs of progress in diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran. The positive sentiment initially pushed the benchmark KSE-100 Index sharply higher, although the market later gave back a significant portion of those gains as traders remained cautious about […]
Pakistan Introduces First Digital Financing Solution for Women-Led MSMEs
In a significant step toward promoting women’s entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, Pakistan has approved its first digital financing product specifically designed for women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative, called Khudmukhtar Khatoon, aims to provide easier access to formal financing for female business owners through a completely digital and Shariah-compliant framework. The product […]
National Assembly Approves Rs40.74 Trillion Charged Expenditure for FY2026-27
The National Assembly has approved charged expenditures totaling Rs40.742 trillion from the Federal Consolidated Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The approval came after a detailed discussion on the allocations presented by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Unlike regular budgetary expenditures, these allocations fall under constitutional provisions that allow lawmakers to debate […]
Islamabad Approves New Vehicle Token Tax Structure to Boost Revenue
Vehicle owners in Islamabad may soon face higher annual token tax payments after a revised taxation framework received approval from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. The new system aims to modernize the existing tax structure and increase government revenue by linking token tax directly to a vehicle’s value rather than relying solely on […]
Pakistan’s Supreme Court Embraces Digital Payments for Court Fees
Pakistan’s judicial system is taking a significant step toward digital transformation with the introduction of an electronic court fee payment system. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has partnered with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and 1LINK (Guarantee) Limited to bring modern payment solutions to court services, making the process easier and more efficient for […]
Pakistan Announces Major Fuel Price Reduction, Bringing Relief to Consumers
The federal government has announced a significant decrease in petroleum prices, providing much-needed relief to citizens, businesses, and key economic sectors across the country. The new fuel rates will come into effect from June 20, reducing the financial burden on millions of Pakistanis who have been coping with rising living costs. Under the revised pricing […]
Punjab Proposes Major Increase in Agricultural Taxes and Water Charges in Finance Bill 2026
The Punjab government has unveiled a series of tax reforms for the agriculture sector in its Finance Bill 2026, proposing substantial increases in agricultural income tax and irrigation charges. The measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen provincial revenues and expand the tax base. Under the proposed legislation, agricultural landowners with holdings exceeding […]
Pakistan’s IT Exports Surpass $4 Billion, Marking a New Milestone for the Digital Economy
Pakistan’s technology sector has achieved a historic milestone, with information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services exports crossing the $4 billion mark for the first time. According to the latest figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country earned $4.184 billion from IT exports during the first eleven months of fiscal year 2025-26, […]
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 […]