Government Extends Relief on Sugar Imports to Ease Market Pressure
Pakistan has taken another step to manage rising food prices by continuing tax concessions on sugar imports. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially prolonged the deadline for reduced taxes and duty exemptions on imported sugar until February 28, 2026. This decision is part of a broader effort to maintain adequate supply in the […]
SECP Tightens Oversight on State-Owned Enterprises: A Push for Transparency and Better Governance
Pakistan’s corporate regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), has taken a firm stance against non-compliance in the state-owned enterprise (SOE) sector. In a recent development, dozens of government-owned companies have come under scrutiny for failing to meet basic legal and governance requirements. At the heart of the issue is a widespread failure […]
Pakistan Opens the Door to Regulated Digital Assets with PVARA Sandbox
Pakistan has taken a notable step toward regulating the digital asset space. The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has officially released its sandbox guidelines and invited applications for the first phase of issuing asset-referenced tokens under the newly enacted Virtual Assets Act, 2026. This development signals a shift from uncertainty to structured oversight, offering […]
Oil Shock and Pakistan’s Fragile Economy: A Storm on the Horizon
Global conflicts often send shockwaves through economies far beyond the battlefield, and Pakistan may once again find itself among the most vulnerable. With oil prices climbing toward the $100 mark amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, economists warn that Pakistan’s already delicate economic recovery could face another serious setback. Former finance minister Hafiz Pasha […]
SECP Greenlights New Annuity Products to Boost Retirement Income Security
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a significant step toward improving financial security for retirees in Pakistan by approving a range of new annuity products. These offerings are expected to strengthen the country’s retirement system by helping individuals convert their accumulated savings into stable and predictable income after they leave the […]
Building a Stronger Tax Culture in Punjab
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is preparing to introduce a province-wide awareness campaign aimed at reducing tax evasion and encouraging citizens to play a more active role in ensuring tax compliance across Punjab. The initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on improving transparency and strengthening the province’s revenue system. The campaign is expected to begin […]
Punjab’s Path to Progress: New Reforms for a Stronger Economy
Punjab is taking a serious step toward financial modernization. In a busy Tuesday session, the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance cleared the path for two major legislative updates designed to tighten the province’s tax net and upgrade its crumbling infrastructure. From synchronizing with federal systems to chasing down overdue audit recoveries, here is what […]
Pakistan’s Courts Adopt Four-Day Work Weeks Amid Energy Crisis
In a move reflecting both prudence and adaptability, Pakistan’s judiciary has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at conserving energy and reducing operational costs amid rising fuel prices caused by global geopolitical tensions. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, alongside the Federal Shariat Court (FSC), high courts, district courts, and the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), […]
Pakistan Ensures Stable Fuel Supplies Amid Global Market Volatility
In a proactive move to safeguard the nation’s energy security, the Pakistani government recently conducted a thorough review of the country’s petroleum stock levels. The meeting, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, brought together key federal ministers and senior officials to assess the current fuel supply situation and plan for potential challenges in the international […]
APTMA Appeals to FBR for Clarity on Super Tax for Exporters
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to provide clear guidelines regarding the Super Tax imposed under Section 4C, particularly for exporters. In a letter addressed to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, APTMA highlighted that textile mills are facing significant challenges in meeting the tax obligations […]
ECC Power Sector Reforms – Plant-wise Savings Summary
Power Plant / Category Previous Tariff (Rs/unit) New Tariff / Terms Key Changes Estimated Savings (Rs billion) 3 Upfront-Priced Wind Plants 42 Fixed ROE in PKR, reduced O&M, lower insurance, waived late interest Dues paid on execution, KIBOR late payment reduced 2% 39 11 Cost-Plus Wind Plants 17 Adjusted cost-plus rates, waived late interest Rationalized […]
Pakistan Sees Steady Growth in New Company Registrations in February 2026
The corporate landscape in Pakistan continues to expand, with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) recording 3,444 new company registrations in February, bringing the total number of registered companies in the country to 287,049. Private Sector Remains the Driving Force Private limited companies led the new incorporations, accounting for 59% of all registrations, […]
FBR Issues SOP for Implementation of Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining how tax officials should exercise the powers granted under Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. The move is aimed at ensuring that investigations into tax fraud are carried out in a structured and legally sound manner across the country. […]
Parliamentarians Set to Join SECP Policy Board After Senate Committee Approves Amendment
Pakistan’s financial regulatory framework may soon see a notable shift in oversight as lawmakers move closer to becoming part of the policy board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The development comes after the Senate Standing Committee on Finance approved an amendment to the SECP Act 1997, opening the door for parliamentary […]
Textile Industry Pushes for Reform of Captive Power Gas Pricing
The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with a request that could significantly reshape industrial energy pricing. The Council wants the government to take up the matter with the International Monetary Fund (IMF): remove the Off-Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy and treat industrial cogeneration units as regular industrial gas connections. […]
FBR Sets March 9 Deadline for IRS and Customs Officers to Submit Pending Asset Declarations
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a firm directive to its field formations, instructing them to ensure that all Inland Revenue and Customs officers file any outstanding declarations of assets and liabilities by March 9, 2026. The move follows a reminder from the Establishment Division, emphasizing strict compliance with disclosure requirements under Rule […]
Pakistan Begins IMF Review Talks, Eyes $1.2 Billion Disbursement
Pakistan has entered another significant phase in its economic reform journey as it starts fresh review discussions with the International Monetary Fund. The outcome of these talks could lead to the release of $1.2 billion in additional financial support, providing further stability to the country’s economy. Fresh Assessment Under IMF Programmed The ongoing negotiations mark […]
Pakistan’s Revenue Struggles Deepen as FY26 Tax Shortfall Reaches Rs430 Billion
Pakistan’s fiscal pressures are mounting as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reports a widening revenue gap during the first eight months of fiscal year 2025–26. Despite intensified enforcement efforts and forced recoveries, the tax authority has fallen significantly behind its target. The Growing Gap From July to February, the FBR collected Rs8,120 billion, missing […]
OPEC+ Moves Carefully as Middle East Tensions Shake Oil Markets
Global oil markets are once again on edge. The alliance known as OPEC+ has agreed in principle to raise crude production slightly, even as conflict involving Iran disrupts shipments across one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. The decision highlights a delicate balancing act: calming nervous markets without overcommitting supply in an increasingly unstable […]
Pakistan’s Senate Clears Virtual Assets Bill 2025: A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation
Pakistan has taken a decisive step toward regulating the digital asset space. The Senate has approved the Virtual Assets Bill, 2025, paving the way for a structured legal framework to oversee cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based financial instruments in the country. If enacted into law after approval by the National Assembly and presidential assent, the legislation will […]