Pakistan’s Exports Face Pressure Despite GSP+ Benefits
Pakistan’s export sector is facing new challenges as shipments to several major European markets recorded a decline during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025-26. This slowdown comes even though Pakistan continues to enjoy the European Union’s GSP+ status, which provides preferential trade access to EU countries. According to recent trade figures, Pakistan’s overall […]
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 […]
Punjab Agricultural Tax Hike Faces Legal Challenge in Lahore High Court
A fresh legal battle has emerged in Punjab over the government’s decision to increase agricultural income tax rates. The matter has now reached the Lahore High Court (LHC), where a constitutional petition has been filed questioning both the legality and the procedure used to implement the revised taxes. The petition was jointly submitted by opposition […]
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 […]
China’s GAC Enters Pakistan’s EV Market with Prices Starting at Rs6.39 Million
Pakistan’s electric vehicle market is continuing to grow as Chinese automotive giant GAC Group officially launches its EV lineup in the country through a partnership with Lucky Motor Corporation. The move marks another major step in the expansion of electric mobility in Pakistan, where rising fuel prices and increasing interest in cleaner transportation are reshaping […]
Pakistan’s FY27 Budget: Higher Taxes, IMF Pressure, and Limited Relief Ahead
Pakistan is preparing for another financially challenging year as the government reportedly plans to set an ambitious tax collection target of nearly Rs15.3 trillion in the upcoming FY27 budget. The move reflects continued pressure to stabilize the economy under the ongoing programmed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while also trying to manage inflation, public […]
Pakistan Pushes for Lower Taxes on Electric Vehicles Amid IMF Discussions
Pakistan is considering major incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) as the government looks to promote cleaner transportation and support the country’s growing auto industry. During recent discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Ministry of Industries and Production proposed a reduced 1% General Sales Tax (GST) on electric vehicles instead of the 18% GST […]
FBR Announces Weekend Operations to Facilitate Tax Collection
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced that its offices across Pakistan will remain open over the weekend on May 23 and 24, 2026, to support taxpayers and streamline the collection of taxes and duties. According to the announcement, all major tax offices, including Large Taxpayers’ Offices (LTOs), Medium Taxpayers’ Offices (MTOs), Corporate Tax […]
Pakistan’s IT Industry Continues Impressive Export Growth
Pakistan’s technology sector is showing strong signs of progress as IT export earnings recorded another major increase in April 2026. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country earned $423 million from IT and technology-related services during the month, highlighting the growing international demand for Pakistani digital expertise. The latest […]
Pakistan Plans Sweeping Trade and Market Reforms Under IMF Programmed
Pakistan is preparing to implement a new round of economic reforms as part of its commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with major policy changes expected in tariffs, agriculture, sugar trade, and the automobile industry. The reforms, outlined in the IMF’s latest programmed review, are aimed at reducing trade barriers, limiting government intervention in […]
Lahore High Court Declares Super Tax Inapplicable on Zero-Taxed Inherited Property Gains
In a major development for taxpayers and the real estate sector, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that super tax under Section 4C of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, cannot be charged on capital gains arising from inherited property when the applicable capital gains tax rate is already set at zero per cent. The […]
Uncertainty Over Super Tax Continues Ahead of Pakistan’s FY27 Budget
As Pakistan moves closer to announcing the FY2026-27 federal budget, uncertainty surrounding the future of the Super Tax continues to worry the business community. During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, government officials avoided giving a clear answer on whether the tax would be removed or retained in the upcoming budget. […]
China’s Digital Expansion into Pakistan Could Redefine Regional Trade
Pakistan is taking another major step toward digital economic transformation as a leading Chinese technology and industrial e-commerce group prepares to establish its Digital Economy Headquarters in the country. The initiative is expected to unlock more than $10 billion in trade opportunities while opening new doors for Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter […]
Pakistan Tightens Tax Registration Rules for International NGOs
Pakistan’s tax authorities are preparing to introduce stricter registration and documentation requirements for international non-government organizations (INGOs) operating in the country. The proposed changes are part of broader efforts to improve transparency, strengthen regulatory oversight, and streamline compliance procedures within the non-profit sector. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued draft amendments to the […]
Pakistan and the US Explore New Opportunities for Economic Cooperation
Pakistan and the United States are showing renewed interest in strengthening their economic relationship as both countries engage in discussions focused on investment, reforms, and future business opportunities. Recent meetings between senior US officials and Pakistan’s finance leadership highlighted a growing willingness on both sides to deepen commercial cooperation. The discussions reflected increasing international attention […]
Pakistan’s Digital Economy Vision Gains Momentum Under CPEC 2.0
Pakistan is signaling a major shift in its economic strategy as the country moves toward a technology-focused future under the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). Rather than concentrating only on highways, power plants, and traditional infrastructure, the new direction emphasizes digital innovation, artificial intelligence, information technology, and smart connectivity. Speaking at […]
Pakistan Moves Toward Refurbished Vehicle Re-Export Industry as FBR Plans EFS Changes
Pakistan is preparing to open a new chapter in its export and automotive sectors as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) works on amendments to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) 2021. The proposed changes are aimed at supporting the government’s upcoming refurbished vehicle import and re-export initiative. The plan is designed to allow businesses to […]