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 Moves Toward Modern Financial Dispute Resolution System
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken an important step toward improving the country’s financial dispute resolution framework by exploring the establishment of Pakistan’s first Financial Services Dispute Resolution Centre. The initiative was discussed during a stakeholder consultation held in Islamabad, where policymakers, legal experts, regulators, and financial sector representatives gathered to […]
FBR Extends Office Operations Ahead of Fiscal Year-End Revenue Drive
As the fiscal year draws to a close, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced special operational arrangements aimed at boosting tax and duty collections across the country. In a recent directive, the tax authority instructed all of its field offices to remain open on June 27 and 28, 2026, despite the weekend schedule. […]
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 Embraces AI-Driven Governance with Launch of Advanced Monitoring Platform
Pakistan has taken another step toward digital transformation with the introduction of an artificial intelligence-powered system designed to improve government oversight and administrative efficiency. The newly launched Prime Minister’s Office System (PMOS) aims to strengthen coordination among federal institutions, ensure timely execution of government decisions, and enhance the overall quality of public service delivery. The […]
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. […]
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 […]
FY2026-27 Budget Focuses on Exports, Industry, and Economic Stability
Pakistan’s federal budget for FY2026-27 has been presented as a roadmap for economic growth driven by exports, industrial expansion, and tax reforms. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has emphasized that the government’s strategy is centered on creating a business-friendly environment that encourages production, investment, and international competitiveness while maintaining fiscal discipline. Speaking after the budget announcement, […]
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 […]
PTBA Seeks Greater Clarity on Government’s Proposed Fixed Tax Scheme for Small Traders
The proposed Fixed Tax Scheme (FTS) for small traders, unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has sparked discussion within Pakistan’s tax community. While the initiative has been welcomed as a step toward expanding the country’s tax net and encouraging undocumented businesses to enter the formal economy, tax experts believe several aspects of the plan require […]
Pakistan Considers Higher Taxes on Imported EVs While Supporting Local Hybrid Production
Pakistan’s automotive sector could see another major policy shift as the federal government reportedly weighs new taxation measures for electric vehicles (EVs) in the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27. According to media reports, authorities are considering imposing a sales tax of up to 25% on imported electric vehicles, while maintaining existing tax incentives for locally manufactured […]