PSX Tumbles Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty Over Possible US–Iran Talks
Pakistan’s stock market faced a sharp setback as uncertainty surrounding potential negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad unsettled investors. The benchmark KSE-100 Index ended the session deep in the red, reflecting widespread caution across the trading floor. From the opening bell, selling pressure dominated market activity. The index slipped over a thousand […]
FBR Introduces 7-Day Deadline for Tax Exemption Certificates: A Boost for Builders and Developers
In a move aimed at easing financial pressure on Pakistan’s construction sector, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a strict seven-day deadline for issuing withholding tax exemption certificates to builders and developers operating under the special tax regime. The directive, issued through a recent circular for the 2025–26 tax year, brings much-needed clarity […]
A Landmark Tax Win for SNGPL: What the LHC’s Decision Really Means
A recent judgment by the Lahore High Court has brought a major victory for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), resolving a long-running tax dispute and shedding light on how regulated business costs should be treated under Pakistani law. The case revolved around a massive Rs11.2 billion claim made by SNGPL under what is known […]
Pakistan’s Economy Shows Faster-Than-Expected Recovery — But Risks Still Linger
Pakistan’s economy appears to be stabilizing more quickly than many anticipated, with key indicators pointing toward a gradual but meaningful recovery. Recent remarks from the central bank leadership highlight improvements in inflation, foreign reserves, and economic growth — all signs that the country’s tough policy measures are beginning to pay off. One of the most […]
SECP Greenlights New Annuity Products to Boost Retirement Income Security
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a significant step toward improving financial security for retirees in Pakistan by approving a range of new annuity products. These offerings are expected to strengthen the country’s retirement system by helping individuals convert their accumulated savings into stable and predictable income after they leave the […]
Pakistan’s Courts Adopt Four-Day Work Weeks Amid Energy Crisis
In a move reflecting both prudence and adaptability, Pakistan’s judiciary has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at conserving energy and reducing operational costs amid rising fuel prices caused by global geopolitical tensions. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, alongside the Federal Shariat Court (FSC), high courts, district courts, and the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), […]
Pakistan Ensures Stable Fuel Supplies Amid Global Market Volatility
In a proactive move to safeguard the nation’s energy security, the Pakistani government recently conducted a thorough review of the country’s petroleum stock levels. The meeting, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, brought together key federal ministers and senior officials to assess the current fuel supply situation and plan for potential challenges in the international […]
APTMA Appeals to FBR for Clarity on Super Tax for Exporters
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to provide clear guidelines regarding the Super Tax imposed under Section 4C, particularly for exporters. In a letter addressed to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, APTMA highlighted that textile mills are facing significant challenges in meeting the tax obligations […]
Punjab Revenue Authority Reports Strong Growth in February Tax Collection
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has posted a remarkable increase in its tax revenues for February, signaling improved performance in the province’s tax collection system. According to official data, the authority generated more than Rs41 billion during the month, reflecting a substantial 75 percent rise compared with the revenue collected in February of last year. […]
FBR Sets March 9 Deadline for IRS and Customs Officers to Submit Pending Asset Declarations
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a firm directive to its field formations, instructing them to ensure that all Inland Revenue and Customs officers file any outstanding declarations of assets and liabilities by March 9, 2026. The move follows a reminder from the Establishment Division, emphasizing strict compliance with disclosure requirements under Rule […]
Pakistan Begins IMF Review Talks, Eyes $1.2 Billion Disbursement
Pakistan has entered another significant phase in its economic reform journey as it starts fresh review discussions with the International Monetary Fund. The outcome of these talks could lead to the release of $1.2 billion in additional financial support, providing further stability to the country’s economy. Fresh Assessment Under IMF Programmed The ongoing negotiations mark […]
OPEC+ Moves Carefully as Middle East Tensions Shake Oil Markets
Global oil markets are once again on edge. The alliance known as OPEC+ has agreed in principle to raise crude production slightly, even as conflict involving Iran disrupts shipments across one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. The decision highlights a delicate balancing act: calming nervous markets without overcommitting supply in an increasingly unstable […]
PTA Tightens Oversight on Mobile Tariffs with New 2025 Regulations
Pakistan’s telecom regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has introduced the Mobile Tariff Regulations 2025 in response to growing public concerns about increasing mobile package prices, declining service quality, and unauthorized balance deductions. The move signals a stronger regulatory stance aimed at protecting consumers while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. A Structured […]
Pakistan’s Debt-Driven Growth: A Cycle That Needs Breaking
Pakistan’s economy has long walked a tightrope between stabilization and slowdown. In recent commentary across national media, analysts have once again raised concerns about a familiar pattern: growth fueled not by productivity or exports, but by borrowing. This “debt-dependent growth” model may keep the system running in the short term, but it raises serious questions […]
PRA Steps Up Action Against Habitual Tax Defaulters
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has intensified its efforts to bring persistent tax defaulters into the compliance net, signaling a stronger and more structured approach to tax enforcement across the province. The focus is particularly on individuals and businesses that have repeatedly failed to pay their services tax despite prior notices and opportunities to comply. […]
FBR Adds Buyer Verification Status to Sales Tax Returns: What Businesses Need to Know
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken another important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s tax compliance framework by introducing a Buyer Verification Status field in Annexure C of the monthly sales tax return. This change is part of FBR’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency, enhance data accuracy, and reduce discrepancies in sales tax reporting. What […]
FBR Proposes New Amendments to Export Facilitation Scheme to Support Exporters
In a move aimed at further easing export-related processes, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed additional amendments to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) under the Customs Rules, 2001. The proposed changes, issued through SRO 211(I)/2026, are designed to provide greater flexibility and clarity for exporters availing duty-free import facilities. One of the key […]
When Tax Enforcement Meets Power: Inside FBR’s Latest Showdown
Pakistan’s long-running struggle with tax evasion took a dramatic turn this week when the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Mahmood Langrial, openly suggested that powerful individuals are actively sabotaging the country’s anti–tax evasion drive—and that he is willing to name them. Speaking before the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Langrial made […]
Punjab Revenue Authority Posts 35% Revenue Growth in First Half of FY
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has reported a significant boost in its revenue performance, registering a 35 percent year-on-year increase during the first six months of the ongoing financial year. The strong growth points to the effectiveness of recent administrative reforms and tighter tax enforcement across the province. Revenue Performance Shows Clear Upward Trend Between […]
FBR’s “Inactive” Label for Manual Tax Filers Sparks Legal and Public Backlash
A fresh controversy has emerged around Pakistan’s tax administration after reports surfaced that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has classified manual income tax return filers for Tax Year 2024 as “inactive taxpayers.” The move has drawn strong criticism from tax experts, lawyers, and rights advocates, who argue that it directly violates existing legal directives. […]