SECP Cracks Down on State-Owned Enterprises Over Reporting and Governance Lapses
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has intensified its regulatory oversight of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), imposing fines and issuing warnings against organizations that failed to comply with legal reporting and governance requirements. The latest enforcement action resulted in penalties totaling Rs3.175 million against 36 state-owned entities. The fines were issued through 46 adjudication […]
Punjab Recovers State Land Worth Rs433 Billion in Major Anti-Encroachment Drive
In a significant step toward protecting public assets, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Punjab Board of Revenue have successfully reclaimed thousands of kanals of government-owned land that had been under illegal occupation. The recovered land, spread across various districts of Punjab, is estimated to be worth around Rs433 billion. The large-scale recovery campaign […]
Pakistan Needs Growth-Oriented Reforms, Not More Pressure on Taxpayers
As Pakistan prepares to unveil its upcoming federal budget, the debate over taxation and economic reforms has once again come into focus. Business leaders are urging policymakers to avoid placing additional financial burdens on already compliant taxpayers and instead focus on expanding the country’s tax net and encouraging economic growth. The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) […]
SECP Introduces IPO Reforms to Open Capital Markets for More Businesses
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has unveiled a set of regulatory changes aimed at making it easier for established businesses to enter the capital market and raise funds through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). The amendments, made to the Public Offering Regulations, 2017, are expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses that have […]
Federal Government Assigns Two PAS Officers to OGRA on Deputation
The federal government has appointed two officers from the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on deputation, reinforcing the regulator’s administrative capacity in overseeing Pakistan’s energy sector. According to official notifications issued by the Establishment Division, BS-20 officer Majid Mohsin Panhwar and BS-18 officer Flt. Lt. (Retd.) Imran Ali […]
Pakistan Refineries Boost Output, but Weak Fuel Demand Creates Inventory Pressure
Pakistan’s refining sector witnessed a significant increase in production during May 2026, yet fuel sales failed to keep pace, highlighting growing demand-side challenges for the industry. According to industry data, refinery production climbed by 22.5% year-on-year to 1.01 million tonnes in May. The increase was driven by stronger output across key petroleum products, including diesel, […]
Punjab’s Rs6 Trillion Budget Plan Signals Strong Push for Development and Social Growth
Punjab is preparing to unveil what could become one of the largest budgets in its history, with total spending for the 2026-27 fiscal year expected to approach Rs6 trillion. The provincial government is set to present the budget on June 8, outlining its roadmap for economic development, public services, and welfare initiatives for the coming […]
Pakistan Approves Furnace Oil Exports as Refineries Tackle Rising Inventories
Pakistan’s energy regulators have authorized the export of a significant volume of furnace oil, providing relief to domestic refineries grappling with growing stockpiles and changing energy consumption patterns. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has granted permission to Pak Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO) to export 100,000 metric tones of furnace oil during June 2026. […]
Pakistan’s Auditor General Revamps Audit Reporting After Major Financial Figure Controversy
The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has introduced a new system for preparing annual audit reports after last year’s controversy involving the publication of alleged financial irregularities worth Rs375 trillion. The incident sparked nationwide criticism and raised concerns about the credibility of the country’s audit process. To prevent similar situations in the future, the AGP […]
Government Plans EFS Reforms to Stop Tax Abuse and Protect Formal Industries
The federal government is preparing possible reforms to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) as part of the upcoming FY2026-27 budget, aiming to tackle the alleged misuse of tax exemptions and invoice trading in local markets. Officials are reviewing several proposals designed to improve transparency, strengthen tax collection, and support documented industries that claim they are […]
Pakistan Pushes for Greater Trade Access in New China FTA Talks
Pakistan is preparing to request major trade concessions from China as discussions begin on the third phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA). The move is part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to boost exports, reduce its growing trade deficit, and secure better market access for Pakistani industries. According to reports, Pakistani officials are expected […]
K-Electric’s Sales Tax Registration Suspended by FBR Amid Consumer Concerns
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has temporarily suspended the sales tax registration of K-Electric, creating concern among businesses and electricity consumers across Pakistan. The update became visible on the FBR’s online taxpayer portal, where the utility’s sales tax status was marked suspended effective May 20, 2026. However, K-Electric’s income tax registration remains active, indicating […]
Pakistan’s Mobile Phone Assembly Sees Sharp Decline in April 2026
Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector experienced a noticeable slowdown in April 2026, as local handset assembly dropped significantly compared to the previous month. Fresh figures released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) show that domestic production activity weakened after a strong performance in March. According to industry data, local companies assembled or manufactured around 1.81 […]
Pakistan Pushes for Lower Taxes on Electric Vehicles Amid IMF Discussions
Pakistan is considering major incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) as the government looks to promote cleaner transportation and support the country’s growing auto industry. During recent discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Ministry of Industries and Production proposed a reduced 1% General Sales Tax (GST) on electric vehicles instead of the 18% GST […]
IMF Reduces Pakistan’s Power Subsidy Target as Energy Reforms Gain Momentum
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered Pakistan’s projected electricity subsidy allocation for FY2026-27, signaling growing confidence in the country’s ongoing power sector reforms and efforts to control circular debt. Under the IMF’s latest review of Pakistan’s economic programmed, the allocation for power subsidies has been reduced from 0.7% of GDP to 0.6% of GDP, […]
Pakistan Plans Sweeping Trade and Market Reforms Under IMF Programmed
Pakistan is preparing to implement a new round of economic reforms as part of its commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with major policy changes expected in tariffs, agriculture, sugar trade, and the automobile industry. The reforms, outlined in the IMF’s latest programmed review, are aimed at reducing trade barriers, limiting government intervention in […]
Lahore High Court Declares Super Tax Inapplicable on Zero-Taxed Inherited Property Gains
In a major development for taxpayers and the real estate sector, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that super tax under Section 4C of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, cannot be charged on capital gains arising from inherited property when the applicable capital gains tax rate is already set at zero per cent. The […]
Uncertainty Over Super Tax Continues Ahead of Pakistan’s FY27 Budget
As Pakistan moves closer to announcing the FY2026-27 federal budget, uncertainty surrounding the future of the Super Tax continues to worry the business community. During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, government officials avoided giving a clear answer on whether the tax would be removed or retained in the upcoming budget. […]
Pakistan Tightens Tax Registration Rules for International NGOs
Pakistan’s tax authorities are preparing to introduce stricter registration and documentation requirements for international non-government organizations (INGOs) operating in the country. The proposed changes are part of broader efforts to improve transparency, strengthen regulatory oversight, and streamline compliance procedures within the non-profit sector. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued draft amendments to the […]
Pakistan and the US Explore New Opportunities for Economic Cooperation
Pakistan and the United States are showing renewed interest in strengthening their economic relationship as both countries engage in discussions focused on investment, reforms, and future business opportunities. Recent meetings between senior US officials and Pakistan’s finance leadership highlighted a growing willingness on both sides to deepen commercial cooperation. The discussions reflected increasing international attention […]