FBR Revises Customs Duty Drawback Rates for Exporters from October 27, 2026
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced revised customs duty drawback rates for Pakistani exporters under SRO 1908(I)/2026, effective October 27, 2026. The new notification replaces the previous framework issued in 2009. The revised rates cover a wide range of export products, including cotton fabrics, garments, hosiery, polyester textiles, carpets, blankets, sleeping bags, tents […]
SBP Introduces New Licensing Framework for Banks and Financial Institutions
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a consolidated licensing and authorisation handbook to simplify regulatory requirements for banks, fintech companies and other financial institutions. Issued on October 28, 2026, through BPRD Circular No. 03, the handbook covers commercial banks, digital banks, microfinance banks, exchange companies, electronic money institutions, payment service providers and private […]
FBR Introduces Faceless Tax Assessment Rules Ahead of October 31 Deadline
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced new procedures for faceless income tax assessments in Pakistan, allowing tax cases to be processed through automated case allocation, online hearings and electronic document submissions. The move comes ahead of the October 31, 2026, income tax return filing deadline. Under the new rules, the Faceless Assessment Unit […]
Pakistan Raises Cash Transaction Reporting Limit to Rs3 Million, Expands AML Oversight to Virtual Assets
Pakistan has approved significant changes to its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, increasing the cash transaction reporting threshold from Rs2 million to Rs3 million and extending regulatory oversight to the virtual assets sector. The government has also approved the inclusion of piracy-related offences in the country’s anti-money laundering legislation. The decisions were taken during […]
FBR Expands Digital Surveillance to Textile Spinning Mills, Sets November 15 Deadline
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue has broadened its electronic production monitoring system to cover a wider range of textile fibres, requiring registered spinning mills to install surveillance cameras and integrate real-time production data with the tax authority’s monitoring network. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced new monitoring requirements for registered textile spinning mills […]
IMF Warns of Rising Economic Risks for Pakistan as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation
Pakistan’s economic outlook is facing renewed uncertainty as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East drives up global energy and food prices, raises inflationary pressures and threatens to weaken the country’s external financial position. In its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that Pakistan could face growing economic challenges over […]
FBR Launches Online Auction System for Seized Goods, Sets Rs25,000 Minimum Registration Fee
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new electronic auction system for selling seized and confiscated goods, aiming to establish a more transparent and structured process for disposing of such items. Under the revised framework, bidders must pay a minimum one-time registration fee of Rs25,000, while online bidding will remain open for 72 […]
IMF Warns of Rising Inflation and Economic Pressure in Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Pakistan could face rising inflation, higher borrowing costs and a weaker external position due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. In its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook, the IMF reported that Pakistan’s inflation reached 11.1% in August, driven by rising food and energy prices. The Fund also […]
FBR Introduces Mandatory Digital Monitoring for Steel Manufacturers by December 30, 2026
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new compliance requirement for the steel industry, directing registered manufacturers to install digital production monitoring systems by December 30, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen oversight of steel production, improve transparency in product movement and reduce the risk of tax evasion. The directive, issued under Sales […]
OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Advertising to Pakistan and 25 Other Countries
OpenAI is expanding its advertising operations to Pakistan and 25 additional countries, marking another major step in the company’s efforts to grow its business and diversify its revenue sources. With this latest expansion, ChatGPT advertising is now available across 89 markets worldwide. The move reflects OpenAI’s growing focus on advertising as a source of income […]
Pakistan’s Exporters Call for Better Trade Deals to Compete with India and Bangladesh
Pakistan’s export sector is urging the government to introduce more favorable trade policies and improve access to international markets as businesses struggle with rising production costs, energy prices and growing competition from regional rivals, particularly India and Bangladesh. During a high-level consultation chaired by Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan at the Ministry of Commerce, […]
Pakistan Considers New Tax Collection Agency as FBR Reform Plans Gain Momentum
Pakistan’s federal government is considering major changes to the country’s tax administration, including the possibility of establishing a new tax collection agency or further restructuring the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The move comes amid concerns over revenue performance and the limited results of previous reform efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the FBR […]
Pakistan Moves Towards a National Digital Market to Strengthen Agriculture and Support Farmers
Pakistan’s agricultural sector could see significant changes under a new proposal by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to establish a national agricultural spot market. The proposed initiative aims to create a more organized system for buying and selling agricultural commodities while helping farmers secure better prices, reduce crop wastage and obtain financing […]
IMF Urges Pakistan to Strengthen Revenue Collection and Build Financial Reserves for Sustainable Growth
Pakistan’s economic recovery, fiscal reforms and long-term development priorities came under discussion during a meeting between International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke and Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. During the meeting, Clarke stressed the need for Pakistan to […]
SECP Introduces New Guidebook to Strengthen Compliance with Targeted Financial Sanctions in Pakistan
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced a new guidebook on Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) to improve regulatory compliance and strengthen efforts to prevent terrorist financing and other illegal financial activities. The guidebook provides practical instructions for entities operating under SECP’s regulatory oversight, helping them understand and implement applicable sanctions requirements. The […]
SBP Introduces Banking on Equality Policy 2026 to Strengthen Women’s Financial Inclusion
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced the second edition of its Banking on Equality (BoE) Policy for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to improving women’s access to financial services and promoting gender equality in the banking sector. The policy aims to reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion to 25% by 2028 as part […]
Pakistan Explores Digital Bonds and Asset Tokenization as 75 Firms Seek Virtual Asset Licenses
Pakistan is taking new steps towards modernizing its financial sector by exploring digital bonds, asset tokenization and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered financial services in collaboration with the World Bank Group. The development comes as the country works to establish a regulated environment for virtual assets and attract both domestic and international businesses. According to the Pakistan […]
China’s Shengtang Group Eyes $10 Million Investment in Pakistan Across Seven Key Sectors
Pakistan may attract fresh Chinese investment as Shengtang Group has expressed interest in signing a $10 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore business opportunities in seven important sectors of the country. The proposed investment could support industrial growth, infrastructure development, energy projects, and other areas linked to Pakistan’s economic progress. According to a statement […]
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 […]