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 […]
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 […]
China’s GAC Enters Pakistan’s EV Market with Prices Starting at Rs6.39 Million
Pakistan’s electric vehicle market is continuing to grow as Chinese automotive giant GAC Group officially launches its EV lineup in the country through a partnership with Lucky Motor Corporation. The move marks another major step in the expansion of electric mobility in Pakistan, where rising fuel prices and increasing interest in cleaner transportation are reshaping […]
Pakistan’s FY27 Budget: Higher Taxes, IMF Pressure, and Limited Relief Ahead
Pakistan is preparing for another financially challenging year as the government reportedly plans to set an ambitious tax collection target of nearly Rs15.3 trillion in the upcoming FY27 budget. The move reflects continued pressure to stabilize the economy under the ongoing programmed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while also trying to manage inflation, public […]
Pakistan’s IT Industry Continues Impressive Export Growth
Pakistan’s technology sector is showing strong signs of progress as IT export earnings recorded another major increase in April 2026. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country earned $423 million from IT and technology-related services during the month, highlighting the growing international demand for Pakistani digital expertise. The latest […]
Pakistan Takes a Major Step in Digital Finance and Insurance Reform
Pakistan’s financial sector is entering a new phase of innovation as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced several groundbreaking approvals aimed at modernizing the country’s insurance and investment landscape. In a significant development, the SECP has awarded Pakistan’s first-ever digital general takaful license to First Digital Takaful Company Limited. This marks […]
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, […]
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. […]
China’s Digital Expansion into Pakistan Could Redefine Regional Trade
Pakistan is taking another major step toward digital economic transformation as a leading Chinese technology and industrial e-commerce group prepares to establish its Digital Economy Headquarters in the country. The initiative is expected to unlock more than $10 billion in trade opportunities while opening new doors for Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter […]
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 […]
NEPRA Reviews K-Electric’s Rs58 Billion Tariff Adjustment Requests
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has completed a public hearing on major financial claims submitted by K-Electric under its Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) framework for FY2017–2023. The total amount under consideration exceeds Rs58 billion and includes tariff adjustments, tax-related recoveries, and pending power purchase costs. The hearing focused on K-Electric’s request for End-of-Term Adjustments […]
Pakistan’s IT Sector Set for Record Growth as Digital Transformation Gains Pace
Pakistan’s technology industry is entering a new phase of growth, with the country expected to achieve nearly $4.6 billion in IT exports during the current fiscal year. The projection reflects the government’s increasing focus on digital development, innovation, and technology-driven economic expansion. During a recent review meeting of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication […]
Government Prepares Major Reforms to Reduce Tax Litigation in Pakistan
The federal government is moving toward significant reforms in Pakistan’s tax dispute system as the number of pending cases involving the Federal Board of Revenue continues to rise sharply. Authorities are now considering the formation of a scrutiny committee to examine tax appeals before they are filed in courts, with the goal of discouraging unnecessary […]
Pakistan Eyes Chinese Capital Markets with Historic Panda Bond Launch
Pakistan is preparing to enter China’s domestic debt market for the very first time through a Panda bond issuance worth around $250 million. The move represents a major step in the country’s efforts to diversify its external financing sources and strengthen economic stability amid ongoing global and regional challenges. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that […]
ECC Clears Vehicle Re-Export Plan to Encourage Investment and Export Growth
Pakistan has approved a new policy aimed at developing an export-focused vehicle refurbishment industry after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) gave the green light to a framework for importing, refurbishing, and re-exporting used vehicles and auto parts. The initiative is expected to open new investment opportunities in the automotive sector while helping the country increase […]
FIA Questions Pakistan’s Oil Price Compensation System Amid Allegations of Irregular Claims
Pakistan’s fuel pricing system has come under fresh scrutiny after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raised serious concerns about the mechanism used to compensate oil marketing companies (OMCs) during recent fluctuations in petroleum prices. An interim inquiry report prepared by FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Karachi has described the current price differential compensation framework as deeply […]
A New Push to Fix Pakistan’s Tax Dispute Maze
Pakistan is taking another shot at cleaning up one of its most persistent governance problems: the tax litigation system. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has signed off on a reform package designed to make tax disputes faster to resolve, more transparent, and more accountable. For years, unresolved tax cases have clogged the system in Pakistan, tying […]
Pakistan and the World Bank Revisit a $20 Billion Reform Roadmap
Pakistan has taken another step toward shaping its long-term economic future through renewed engagement with the World Bank. In a recent high-level meeting, officials reviewed progress on a major development plan known as the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), a 10-year strategy that outlines how the country aims to tackle some of its most persistent challenges. […]