Pakistan Targets Over 4% Economic Growth as Government Plans $1 Billion-Plus Privatization Drive
Pakistan is aiming for economic growth of more than 4% in the current fiscal year as the government steps up efforts to attract private investment, sell state-owned entities and strengthen the country’s financial position. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has also confirmed that discussions with the United States are continuing over a proposed $10 billion exchange […]
World Bank Proposes $200 Million to Boost KP Tax Revenue and Improve Public Services by 2031
The World Bank has proposed $200 million in financing to help Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) strengthen its revenue collection system, improve public services and manage its finances more effectively. The initiative aims to nearly double the province’s own-source tax revenue in real terms, increasing it from Rs64 billion to Rs122 billion by June 2031. The proposed […]
Foreign Investors Seek FBR Reforms as Tax Certification Delays Stall Share Registration in Pakistan
Pakistan’s efforts to attract and retain foreign investment face another administrative challenge as overseas investors raise concerns over delays in obtaining tax exemption certificates from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The delays are creating obstacles for the registration of foreign-held shares with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), even in cases where the relevant […]
Pakistan and UK Discuss New Aircraft Options to Revamp PIA Fleet
Pakistan is exploring fresh options to upgrade the fleet of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with the United Kingdom offering potential support involving Airbus aircraft and Rolls-Royce engines. The possibility of aircraft leasing, engine arrangements and export credit assistance was discussed as Pakistan and Britain looked for ways to address PIA’s immediate fleet requirements while keeping […]
FBR Introduces Online Facility for Steel Sector to Report Electricity Consumption
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new online mechanism to help steel manufacturers report their electricity consumption for sales tax purposes when power distribution companies fail to provide the required data on time. The facility is particularly relevant to steel melters, re-rollers and composite units, which are required to declare electricity consumption through Annex-K of […]
FBR Proposes Surcharge-Free ATL Entry for Late Tax Filers With Six-Month Property Restriction
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed a new relief mechanism for taxpayers who miss the income tax return filing deadline. Under the proposed changes, late filers may be allowed to join the Active Taxpayers’ List (ATL) without paying the applicable surcharge, provided they agree not to acquire property for a period of six […]
Pakistan’s AI Future Depends on Better Digital Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the biggest opportunities for countries seeking to expand their digital economies. Pakistan is also aiming to make AI a major part of its technology and export strategy, but the country faces a basic challenge: the infrastructure needed to support widespread AI use is still developing. A recent World […]
Pakistan’s Economy Shows Resilience Despite Hormuz Energy Crisis
Pakistan’s economy appears to be weathering the latest regional energy crisis better than many might have expected. Despite the disruption to oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and a sharp increase in fuel and transportation costs, economic activity in Pakistan is continuing to expand. According to the World Bank’s October 2026 economic […]
Government Plans Stronger Debt Management Office to Improve Borrowing Strategy
The federal government is taking steps to strengthen Pakistan’s Debt Management Office (DMO) by introducing a dedicated leadership structure aimed at improving the way public borrowing and debt risks are managed. Under the proposed arrangement, the Head of the DMO will play a central role in shaping the government’s borrowing strategy, managing financial risks and […]
IMF May Reduce Pakistan’s Health and Education Spending Target
Pakistan’s provinces could receive some relief from their health and education spending obligations under the country’s ongoing programmed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The global lender is reportedly considering reducing the combined provincial spending target by around Rs300 billion, bringing it down from more than Rs4.2 trillion to approximately Rs3.9 trillion. The possible revision […]
Pakistan’s Digital Payments Surge as 1LINK Eyes 12 Billion Transactions in 2026
Pakistan’s digital payment landscape is expanding rapidly, with payment infrastructure provider 1LINK expecting more than 12 billion transactions worth nearly Rs90 trillion in 2026. The projection highlights the growing shift toward electronic payments as consumers, businesses and government institutions increasingly rely on digital channels for transferring money, paying bills and accessing financial services. Digital Transactions […]
KPRA Sales Tax Revenue Jumps 24% in First Quarter of FY27
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) has reported a significant increase in its Sales Tax on Services (STS) revenue during the first quarter of the financial year 2026-27, reflecting stronger tax collection and improved compliance across the province. According to figures released by the authority, KPRA collected Rs12.66 billion in Sales Tax on Services between […]
Pakistan-IMF Talks Enter Final Phase as Key Economic Issues Remain on the Table
Pakistan’s latest negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have entered a crucial stage, with both sides now working through a draft Memorandum of Financial and Economic Policies (MEFP). The document outlines the economic measures and commitments that could pave the way for a staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the Fund. The IMF review mission […]
FBR Revises Sales Tax Rates for Steel Units in Former FATA and PATA
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced revised electricity-based sales tax rates for steel manufacturing units operating in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA). The changes are aimed at maintaining the special tax treatment available to eligible steel businesses in these areas while setting different rates according […]
SECP Proposes Rs5 Million Ceiling for Microfinance and Housing Loans
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has proposed a significant revision to its financing regulations that could expand access to credit for individuals, households, and businesses. Under the proposed amendments, the maximum limit for microfinance and housing loans would increase to Rs5 million. The move is part of a broader effort to update […]
Pakistan and the IMF Face Another Tough Round of Talks
Pakistan’s latest discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have exposed fresh disagreements over energy-sector reforms, fuel subsidies and the country’s growing gas-sector debt. While the government is trying to provide some relief to consumers facing high fuel prices, the IMF is pushing Islamabad toward tighter fiscal controls and more targeted support. At the center […]
Pakistan Sees Sharp Rise in Tax Return Filings as Non-Salaried Sector Drives Growth
Pakistan’s income tax filing base has expanded significantly, with the number of returns submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reaching nearly 5.77 million by September 30, 2026. The latest figures represent a rise of about 45 percent compared with the 3.98 million returns filed during the same period last year. The biggest contribution […]
FBR Works With Traders to Resolve Issues in Small Shopkeeper Tax Scheme
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that its tax scheme for small shopkeepers is currently in the early phase of implementation, as authorities continue working to resolve registration-related issues faced by traders. The tax authority acknowledged that some shopkeepers and small businesses have experienced difficulties while registering under the new framework. FBR has […]
SBP Extends Bank Working Hours for Tax and Duty Payments
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced extended banking hours to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their government duties and taxes before the end of the financial deadline. Under the new arrangement, commercial bank branches across the country will remain open until 10:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The decision was […]
Pakistan Tells IMF FBR Remains on Track to Meet Rs3.053 Trillion Quarterly Tax Target
Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is still on course to achieve its tax collection target of Rs3.053 trillion for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, despite falling short of its August revenue goal. According to officials familiar with the discussions, the FBR briefed […]