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 […]
Pakistan Plans to Market Roosevelt Hotel as US Investors Show Growing Interest
Pakistan is preparing to launch the sale of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, with the government aiming to take the landmark property to the market by December 2026. The move comes as several US financial institutions have reportedly expressed interest in the high-profile asset, highlighting its strong investment appeal. The update was shared by […]
OICCI Urges FBR to Release Rs103 Billion in Outstanding Tax Refunds
Pakistan’s investment climate has once again come under the spotlight as the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to expedite the payment of approximately Rs103 billion in pending tax refunds owed to its member companies. According to the chamber, the outstanding amount includes Rs68 […]
Pakistan’s Auto Industry Accelerates: Passenger Car Sales Surge 39% in FY2025-26
Pakistan’s automobile industry continued its recovery in FY2025-26, delivering another year of impressive growth as improving economic conditions, affordable financing, and competitive pricing encouraged consumers to return to the market. The latest industry figures show that passenger vehicle demand remained strong, while commercial vehicles and motorcycles also posted healthy gains. Passenger Vehicle Market Shows Strong […]
SBP Sets Ambitious Goal to Expand SME Financing to Rs1.5 Trillion by 2028
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly increase financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), setting a target of Rs1.5 trillion in SME financing by June 2028. The central bank also aims to raise the number of SME borrowers to 750,000, reflecting its commitment to strengthening one of […]
Why Pakistan’s Army Is Returning to Locally Grown Wheat
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a significant change in the way wheat is supplied to the Pakistan Army, opting for fresh, locally grown grain instead of the current combination of imported and domestic wheat. The decision reflects growing concerns over food quality while also promising substantial savings for the national exchequer. During a […]
UK Aviation Security Team Visits Pakistan to Review Airport Safety for Direct Flights
A team of aviation security experts from the United Kingdom has arrived in Pakistan to assess security measures at two of the country’s busiest international airports. The visit is part of an ongoing review of safety standards for direct flights operating between Pakistan and the UK. The inspection highlights the importance both countries place on […]
Interior Ministry Faces Highest Number of Audit Observations in AGP Report
The latest audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has placed the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control at the top of the list for audit observations among federal ministries. The comprehensive 399-page report highlights 65 audit objections, raising concerns over financial recoveries, licensing procedures, procurement practices, and administrative compliance. Significant Financial Recoveries […]
National Assembly Approves Rs40.74 Trillion Charged Expenditure for FY2026-27
The National Assembly has approved charged expenditures totaling Rs40.742 trillion from the Federal Consolidated Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The approval came after a detailed discussion on the allocations presented by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Unlike regular budgetary expenditures, these allocations fall under constitutional provisions that allow lawmakers to debate […]
Islamabad Approves New Vehicle Token Tax Structure to Boost Revenue
Vehicle owners in Islamabad may soon face higher annual token tax payments after a revised taxation framework received approval from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. The new system aims to modernize the existing tax structure and increase government revenue by linking token tax directly to a vehicle’s value rather than relying solely on […]