LHC Declares Bank Customer Data as “Property” in Landmark Cyber Fraud Case
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has delivered an important ruling concerning the misuse of confidential banking information, observing that customers’ private banking data can be treated as “property” under the law. The ruling came in a cybercrime case involving allegations of leaked bank information, fraudulent SIM cards and unauthorized transfers of more than Rs104 million […]
Rs10 Billion Approved to Support Pakistan’s Textile and Export Industries
Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has approved Rs10 billion in funding for the textile, apparel, and other export-oriented industries under various duty drawback and technology-upgradation schemes. The move is aimed at easing financial pressures on exporters, improving industrial liquidity, and helping businesses invest in modern technology to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Government Moves to […]
Pakistan Moves Closer to Full Crypto Licensing Framework
Pakistan is taking another major step toward bringing its virtual assets industry under a formal regulatory structure. The country is nearing the introduction of a comprehensive licensing system for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), a development that could significantly shape the future of the local crypto and digital-asset market. Bilal Bin Saqib, Minister of State […]
NAB Seeks Removal of Rs500 Million Corruption Threshold
Pakistan’s accountability watchdog has called for a major change in the rules governing corruption investigations, urging the government to remove the Rs500 million threshold that currently limits the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) ability to pursue cases. NAB Chairman retired Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed raised the issue during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on […]
Pakistan’s Beverage Industry Faces a Major Challenge as Illegal Factories Stay Beyond FBR’s Digital Monitoring
Pakistan’s tax authorities have taken another significant step toward modernizing tax collection by introducing electronic production monitoring for registered beverage manufacturers. The initiative is intended to improve transparency, reduce tax evasion, and strengthen documentation across the industry. However, one major concern continues to overshadow these efforts: a sizeable portion of the country’s beverage production reportedly […]
Pakistan’s Gas Sector Set for a Major Transformation: What the New Reform Roadmap Means
Pakistan is preparing for one of the most significant reforms in its natural gas sector in decades. The government has introduced a comprehensive roadmap designed to modernize the industry, improve financial sustainability, attract private investment, and gradually create a more competitive gas market. The proposed reforms aim to address long-standing challenges such as mounting circular […]
Pakistan’s Trade Gap Expands as Import Growth Outpaces Export Gains in July 2026
Pakistan’s external trade position came under pressure in July 2026 as the country’s trade deficit increased significantly compared with the same month last year. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the trade gap widened by 25.17% year-on-year, reaching $3.948 billion compared with $3.154 billion in July 2025. The rise in […]
Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Economic Ties with Push for 24/7 Border Trade
Pakistan and Iran are taking significant steps to deepen their economic partnership by improving border trade, enhancing customs coordination, and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The renewed efforts are part of a shared vision to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion in the coming years. The latest developments emerged during a meeting in Islamabad between […]
US Signals Strong Interest in Pakistan’s Mineral Wealth Beyond Reko Diq
Pakistan’s mining sector may be entering a new phase of international investment as the United States expresses growing interest in the country’s vast reserves of critical minerals. According to recent reports, US officials believe Pakistan has the potential to become an important supplier of minerals that are essential for modern technologies, clean energy, and national […]
FBR and Business Community Join Hands to Improve Tax Grievance Resolution
In a positive step towards strengthening relations between Pakistan’s tax authorities and the business sector, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has agreed to work closely with leading business organizations to improve the resolution of tax-related issues. The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting in Karachi between the Chairman of the FBR and representatives […]
SBP Raises Lending Limit for Unrated Large Private Companies to Rs10 Billion
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a major revision to its financing framework by increasing the aggregate exposure limit for unrated large private-sector borrowers from Rs3 billion to Rs10 billion. The revised limit, which will become effective on September 30, 2026, is expected to improve access to financing for large businesses and support […]
NAB Broadens Auqaf Property Inquiry, Seeks Digital Land Records Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has intensified its investigation into the administration of Auqaf properties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by requesting computerized land records from all districts of the province. The expanded inquiry aims to examine allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and procedural irregularities linked to the management of Waqf properties. The request has been […]
Pakistan Customs Revamps Import Valuation for Light Fittings After Years Without a Standard Framework
Importers of lighting products in Pakistan will now operate under a newly established customs valuation framework, as the Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued a fresh ruling covering a wide range of light fittings and fixtures. The move restores a standardized valuation system after nearly seven years and is expected to bring greater consistency […]
Why Pakistani Banks Continue to Favor Government Lending Over Businesses
Pakistan’s banking sector continues to rely heavily on lending to the government instead of supporting businesses, despite repeated calls from policymakers to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the private sector. The trend raises important questions about investment, economic growth, and the future of business financing in the country. Banks Still Prefer […]
FBR Faces Pressure to Improve Refund Processing and Resolve Issues in New Tax Return System
Pakistan’s tax administration is undergoing another phase of reform, but recent developments suggest that several challenges still need to be addressed. The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has recommended the introduction of a fully automated income tax refund system, while the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has highlighted multiple concerns regarding the newly launched income tax […]
FBR Establishes Independent Committees to Improve Tax Litigation Management
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a major initiative aimed at making Pakistan’s tax litigation process more efficient and transparent. By setting up three Independent Case Scrutiny Committees (ICSCs) in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, the tax authority hopes to reduce unnecessary legal disputes and ensure that only well-founded cases are pursued before higher […]
Pakistan Accelerates National Digital Vision with Plans for a Unified Digital Identity
Pakistan is moving closer to a digitally connected future as the federal government speeds up the implementation of its National Digital Vision. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed relevant authorities to fast-track the country’s digital transformation, with the ultimate goal of providing citizens with a single digital identity for accessing a wide range of public […]
FBR Collected Rs1.866 Trillion in Taxes Through Electricity Bills Over Four Years
Electricity bills in Pakistan have become more than just a payment for power consumption—they have also become an important channel for tax collection. According to a briefing presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected a total of Rs1.866 trillion in sales tax and income […]
FBR to Temporarily Shut Down Online Tax Services for Scheduled Maintenance from August 8–10
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a temporary suspension of several of its online tax platforms due to planned system maintenance. The maintenance exercise is aimed at improving the performance and reliability of the digital tax infrastructure, but it will temporarily interrupt access to a number of important services. According to the FBR, […]
FBR Introduces Independent Committees to Improve Tax Litigation
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is moving towards a more structured and responsible approach to tax litigation by proposing the establishment of Independent Case Scrutiny Committees. The initiative, introduced through draft amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002 under SRO 1138(I)/2026, follows the provisions of the Finance Act 2026 and is expected to change […]