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 […]
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 […]
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’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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
FBR Extends Filing Deadline for August Sales Tax and Federal Excise Returns
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced an extension in the deadline for taxpayers to file their sales tax and federal excise returns for the tax period of August 2026. Under the latest directive issued on September 18, taxpayers will now have until September 30, 2026, to submit their August returns. The relief has […]
SBP Completes First Regulatory Sandbox Tests, Opening New Path for Fintech Innovation
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reached an important milestone in its efforts to encourage financial technology innovation, completing the first testing cycle of its Regulatory Sandbox. The six-month programmed, conducted from January through June 2026, gave selected financial-sector participants an opportunity to test technology-driven solutions in a controlled environment under the supervision and […]
Pakistan’s 11.5% Interest Rate Sparks Debate Among Business Leaders
The State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to leave the benchmark policy rate unchanged at 11.5% has triggered mixed reactions from the country’s business sector. While some industry groups are pressing for cheaper credit to encourage investment and revive manufacturing, others believe maintaining the current rate is the safer option given inflation risks and uncertainty in […]
Pakistan Expands Tax Relief for Airlines and Shipping Industry
Pakistan’s aviation and maritime sectors have received a significant tax boost as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has broadened sales tax exemptions for airlines and restored similar relief for certain shipping-related imports. The latest measures are aimed at reducing the financial burden on businesses involved in aviation and shipbuilding while also bringing changes to […]
Pakistan Nears IMF Review With Most Targets on Track
Pakistan is heading toward the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) September 2026 review with most of its key programmed targets expected to be on track. According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), six of the seven quantitative performance criteria are likely to have been met at the March and June 2026 test dates. The IMF review will […]
SECP Introduces Digital Investor Onboarding System to Make Account Opening Faster
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a major step toward making investment in Pakistan’s capital markets easier and more accessible by introducing a new unified digital investor onboarding framework. The initiative is aimed at removing unnecessary paperwork, reducing repeated verification procedures and making it significantly quicker for individuals to start investing. […]
Saudi Investors Show Growing Interest in Pakistan’s Key Economic Sectors
Pakistan’s efforts to attract foreign investment have received another boost with the arrival of a high-level Saudi business delegation seeking opportunities in several major areas of the economy. Led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, the delegation visited the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for discussions with […]
DISCO Privatization Plan: Rs911 Billion Asset Transfer Raises IMF Compliance Concerns
The federal government’s plan to restructure and eventually privatize three major electricity distribution companies has come under scrutiny over its potential implications for Pakistan’s commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The restructuring involves Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). The Cabinet Committee on Privatization […]
Pakistan and Oman Move Closer to a New Fuel Supply Partnership
Pakistan is taking steps to strengthen its energy security by expanding fuel supplies from Oman. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet is expected to consider a proposed sale and purchase agreement between Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and OQ Trading Limited of Oman. The proposed arrangement comes as Pakistan looks to diversify its sources […]
SBP Eases Housing Finance Rules, Extends Maximum Loan Tenor to 30 Years
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced significant changes to the country’s housing-finance framework, giving prospective homeowners greater flexibility in obtaining financing. The revised prudential regulations apply to banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and have taken effect immediately. One of the most notable changes is the extension of the maximum housing-finance repayment period […]
PIA Privatization: Why Taxpayers Are Still Paying the Price
Pakistan’s privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) may have transferred control of the national carrier to a private investor, but the government’s financial responsibilities have not ended. A significant portion of PIA’s old debt remains with the public sector, leaving taxpayers to shoulder the cost of servicing those liabilities. According to a report by The […]