ECC Power Sector Reforms – Plant-wise Savings Summary
Power Plant / Category Previous Tariff (Rs/unit) New Tariff / Terms Key Changes Estimated Savings (Rs billion) 3 Upfront-Priced Wind Plants 42 Fixed ROE in PKR, reduced O&M, lower insurance, waived late interest Dues paid on execution, KIBOR late payment reduced 2% 39 11 Cost-Plus Wind Plants 17 Adjusted cost-plus rates, waived late interest Rationalized […]
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. […]
Parliamentarians Set to Join SECP Policy Board After Senate Committee Approves Amendment
Pakistan’s financial regulatory framework may soon see a notable shift in oversight as lawmakers move closer to becoming part of the policy board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The development comes after the Senate Standing Committee on Finance approved an amendment to the SECP Act 1997, opening the door for parliamentary […]
Textile Industry Pushes for Reform of Captive Power Gas Pricing
The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with a request that could significantly reshape industrial energy pricing. The Council wants the government to take up the matter with the International Monetary Fund (IMF): remove the Off-Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy and treat industrial cogeneration units as regular industrial gas connections. […]
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 […]
Pakistan’s Revenue Struggles Deepen as FY26 Tax Shortfall Reaches Rs430 Billion
Pakistan’s fiscal pressures are mounting as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reports a widening revenue gap during the first eight months of fiscal year 2025–26. Despite intensified enforcement efforts and forced recoveries, the tax authority has fallen significantly behind its target. The Growing Gap From July to February, the FBR collected Rs8,120 billion, missing […]
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 […]
Pakistan’s Senate Clears Virtual Assets Bill 2025: A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation
Pakistan has taken a decisive step toward regulating the digital asset space. The Senate has approved the Virtual Assets Bill, 2025, paving the way for a structured legal framework to oversee cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based financial instruments in the country. If enacted into law after approval by the National Assembly and presidential assent, the legislation will […]
Pakistan Sees Strong Foreign Investment Momentum as 79 New Companies Launch Operations
Pakistan’s investment landscape is showing renewed vibrancy. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), 79 foreign companies have started operations in the country over the past three years, bringing in approximately Rs40.7 billion in investment across diverse sectors. At the same time, only 19 foreign firms exited the market during this period […]
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 […]
FBR Mandates Digital Integration: A New Era of E-Invoicing for Service Sectors in Pakistan
In a significant step toward tightening tax compliance, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed a broad range of service providers and businesses to connect their electronic invoicing systems directly with its computerized income tax platform. Issued through SRO 288(I)/2026, the notification makes it compulsory for specified enterprises to register their outlets, install compatible […]
IMF Mission to Review Pakistan’s $7 Billion Programmed: What It Means for the Economy
Pakistan is set to host an important delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) beginning February 26, as part of a scheduled review of the country’s ongoing financial support programmed. The visit, which will continue until March 11, carries significant weight for Pakistan’s economic stability, fiscal planning, and future funding prospects. At the center of […]
Every Sixth Tax Rupee Is Propping Up SOEs — A Fiscal Wake-Up Call
Pakistan’s public finances are under mounting pressure, and the latest FY2025 Aggregate Report on State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) delivers a sobering message: for every Rs6 collected in taxes, Rs1 is being redirected to support loss-making SOEs. At a time when citizens are already grappling with inflation and higher taxation, this finding raises serious questions about efficiency, […]
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 Slaps Rs188.9 Million Tax Demand on Sazgar: What Investors Should Know
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited has disclosed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has raised a tax demand amounting to Rs188.9 million for the Tax Year 2023, according to the company’s latest quarterly and half-yearly financial statements filed with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on February 4. The demand stems from an order issued by […]
A Text Message That Says a Lot: FBR’s Tax Drive Reaches the Top
In Pakistan, tax enforcement has long been criticized for being selective. This week, however, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sent out a message—literally—that it wants to change that perception. As part of its campaign to expand the tax net, the FBR dispatched compliance reminder SMS alerts to income tax filers across the country. One […]
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 […]
Alleged Impersonation Raises Alarming Questions About FBR Oversight
A troubling controversy has emerged around the alleged misuse of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) identity by a group claiming to operate as the Inland Revenue Service Officers Association. The matter has sparked serious concerns about impersonation, misuse of official resources, and possible internal complicity within one of Pakistan’s most important revenue institutions. The […]
Supreme Court Draws a Clear Line on Delayed Tax Orders
In a significant ruling that strengthens taxpayer protections, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has once again made it clear that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) cannot act beyond the limits set by law. The Court has declared that tax orders issued after the expiry of the statutory deadline are illegal and unenforceable. The Core […]