Pakistan’s Freelancing Sector Sees Sharp Rise in Export Earnings
Pakistan’s growing freelance economy has recorded another significant milestone, with freelancers earning $352 million in export receipts during July and August of FY27. According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, the figure represents a 44% increase compared with the $244 million earned during the same period a year earlier. The latest numbers highlight […]
Pakistan Expands Tax Relief for Airlines and Shipping Industry
Pakistan’s aviation and maritime sectors have received a significant tax boost as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has broadened sales tax exemptions for airlines and restored similar relief for certain shipping-related imports. The latest measures are aimed at reducing the financial burden on businesses involved in aviation and shipbuilding while also bringing changes to […]
SECP Introduces Digital Investor Onboarding System to Make Account Opening Faster
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a major step toward making investment in Pakistan’s capital markets easier and more accessible by introducing a new unified digital investor onboarding framework. The initiative is aimed at removing unnecessary paperwork, reducing repeated verification procedures and making it significantly quicker for individuals to start investing. […]
Pakistan May Introduce Fixed Tax on Agricultural Land Amid IMF Pressure
Pakistan could be heading toward a major change in the way agricultural income is taxed, with the federal government reportedly considering a fixed levy of up to Rs5,000 per acre if provinces fail to achieve their agreed revenue targets. The proposal comes as Islamabad works to meet commitments under its programmed with the International Monetary […]
Agro Processors Prepares for PSX Listing With 15% Public Offering
Pakistan’s equity market is preparing for another new listing after the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) gave the green light to the initial public offering of Agro Processors & Atmospheric Gases Limited. The company plans to make 58,049,541 shares available to investors, representing 15% of its paid-up capital following the IPO. The shares […]
FBR Introduces Higher Withholding Tax for Non-Filer Social Media Creators
Pakistan’s digital economy is becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s tax system, with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introducing different withholding tax rates for social media content creators based on their taxpayer status. Under the new Withholding Tax Card for 2026, individuals earning money through social media platforms will face a 5% […]
FBR Signals More Tax Relief as Pakistani Businesses Push for Lower Costs
Pakistan’s business community may be in line for further tax relief as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) considers additional measures to reduce the financial pressure on companies. The issue came under discussion during a meeting of a Senate Standing Committee on Finance sub-committee, where business representatives highlighted the growing challenges faced by industries across […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Pakistan’s Tax Tribunal Backlog Continues to Grow Despite High-Paid Appointments
Pakistan’s efforts to speed up the resolution of tax disputes are under renewed scrutiny after the backlog of cases at the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) climbed to nearly 68,000. The increase comes despite the government’s decision to appoint 24 private-sector professionals on market-based salaries reaching as high as Rs2.6 million per month. The appointments […]